An Analysis of Depression and Diabetes amongst African American Women

This study determined the level of depression and the rate of diabetes among the adult African American female population. By identifying the population early, one can save millions of dollars, improve health outcomes, and treat depression that typically interferes with diabetes management. The study used secondary data from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey. The 2011-2012 CHIS surveyed 42,935 adults and of those surveyed 1,403 respondents identified themselves as African Americans. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the strength of the association between diabetes in African American women with depression and exercise. The results of the statistical tests show that there was an association between the independent variables suggesting a statistically significant relationship in African American women. A major limitation of the study was the small number of African Americans interviewed in the survey. A larger sample size at the national level is recommended to more closely scrutinize the directional nature of the relationship between diabetes and depression in African American women