HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND OBESITY AMONG HISPANICS WITH DEPRESSION, UNITED STATES 2006

Objective: To examine the differences in health behaviors, and obesity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with depression. Design: Depression data were gathered from 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands using the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based random-digit-dialed telephone survey of adults aged >= 18 years (n=156,991). The Patient Health Questionnaire.8 was used to determine current depression. Lifetime diagnosis of depression was assessed by self-report of physician diagnosis. Prevalence ratios were calculated to examine the racial/ethnic differences in leisure-time physical activity, cigarette smoking, binge drinking, heavy drinking and obesity among people with current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression. Results: There were significant differences in age, education, and health care coverage between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression. Hispanics with current depression and with lifetime diagnosis of depression were more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic Whites. After adjusting for demographic factors, health care coverage, and self-rated health status, Hispanics with current depression were 17% more likely not to participate in leisuretime physical activity and 42% less likely to be a current cigarette smoker compared with nonHispanic Whites. Hispanics with lifetime diagnosis of depression were 14% more likely not to participate in leisure-time physical activity and 44% less likely to be a current cigarette smoker than non-Hispanic Whites after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: Public health intervention programs are needed to promote healthy behaviors especially physical activity participation with in the Hispanic community, and paying particular attention to people who already are depressed.