Depression and risk behaviors among males attending family planning clinics.

Abstract

This study examined differences in socio-demographics, risk factors and interest in health care topics between males who reported depression compared to those who did not. The sample consisted of 1294 African-American and Hispanic males attending family planning clinics. The results indicated major differences between depressed and non-depressed males. Depressed males were more likely than nondepressed males to be Hispanic and to engage in risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking and drug and alcohol use. Differences were also found in regard to interest in health topics, with depressed males requiring more services related to relationships and feelings than non-depressed males. The findings indicate that young males who attend family planning clinics exhibit signs of depression and profile differently from those who do not exhibit these symptoms and may need additional assessments and referral services.