The association between interpersonal factors, barriers to mental health help-seeking behaviors, and persistent depression disorder among Latinx and Black youths

Objective

This study aimed to better understand interpersonal factors associated with persistent depressive disorder among Latinx and Black youth and elucidate potential targets for early detection and prevention.

Methods

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional and exploratory study conducted between 2021 and 2022 in New York City with Latinx and Black youth ages 13–17 (N ​= ​61) who did not meet the cutoff for depression (PHQ-9≥10). This supplemental study was part of an ongoing larger NIMH-funded study of school-based engagement intervention for depressed Black youth. It used structured assessments to examine interpersonal factors (e.g., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness), barriers to mental health help-seeking, and persistent depressive disorder (PDD) in Latinx and Black youth. Participants were recruited from youth community centers. Assessments were provided in English or Spanish based on preference. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between predictors and persistent depressive disorder

Results

Perceived burdensomeness (PB) increased the odds of having PDD (OR ​= ​3.6, p ​= ​.05) after adjusting for thwarted belongingness, barriers to help-seeking, sex assigned at birth, age, and ethnicity. In addition, compared to female-identified youth, male-identified youth had decreased odds of PDD (OR ​= ​.072, p ​= ​.002).

Limitations

This is a cross-sectional study, the sample is small, and the results may be more salient for Latinx youth than Black youth due to sample distribution.

Conclusions

Targeting perceived burdensomeness could reduce persistent symptoms of depression among Latinx and Black youth.