Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 18, Issue 6, 2016, Pages 1292-1300

Depression and Chronic Health Conditions Among Latinos: The Role of Social Networks (Article)

Soto S.* , Arredondo E.M. , Villodas M.T. , Elder J.P. , Quintanar E. , Madanat H.
  • a San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health (Health Behavior), San Diego State University/University of California, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92123-4311, United States, Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego, CA, United States
  • b Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego, CA, United States, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
  • c Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
  • d Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego, CA, United States, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
  • e County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, South Region, San Diego, CA, United States
  • f Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego, CA, United States, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the “buffering hypothesis” of social network characteristics in the association between chronic conditions and depression among Latinos. Cross-sectional self-report data from the San Diego Prevention Research Center’s community survey of Latinos were used (n = 393). Separate multiple logistic regression models tested the role of chronic conditions and social network characteristics in the likelihood of moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Having a greater proportion of the network comprised of friends increased the likelihood of depression among those with high cholesterol. Having a greater proportion of women in the social network was directly related to the increased likelihood of depression, regardless of the presence of chronic health conditions. Findings suggest that network characteristics may play a role in the link between chronic conditions and depression among Latinos. Future research should explore strategies targeting the social networks of Latinos to improve health outcomes. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Author Keywords

Social support Depression social network Chronic diseases Latinos

Index Keywords

statistics and numerical data male female depression Logistic Models Humans social support statistical model cross-sectional study chronic disease ethnology Hispanic Americans Cross-Sectional Studies human adult Self Report middle aged Hispanic
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84961114402&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-016-0378-2&partnerID=40&md5=0aeae16e15cd93c3d401e86b8d0a41cb
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0378-2
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English