Mentor/s
Dr. Rui Liu
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
Previous literature has concluded that low socioeconomic status and income inequality are linked to increased psychological stress levels and impaired mental health. This research study aims to explore the relationship between socioeconomic income status and depression rates among middle aged adults in America specifically. The hypothesis is that low economic status is related to increased depression rates among adults aged 30-60 years. The exposure variable is socioeconomic status. The outcome variable is depression rates. An observational study design was selected in addition to using cross sectional data. Data used was collected in 2019 by the National Health Interview Survey. The main search criteria when selecting the population was to focus on American adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years. A data analysis was then conducted to determine a statistically significant relationship between socioeconomic status and depression (p-value of 499.411 and p < .001). Means and standard deviations were used as well as a cross tab and chi-square test of independence as the variables are categorical. Specifically, it was found that as income levels decreased, depression rates were seen increasing. These findings are consistent with previous studies on this topic. As a significant risk factor has now been identified, results from this study can be used for interventions to reduce depression rates in America.
College and Major available
Health Science
Academic Level
Undergraduate student
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
Start Day/Time
4-25-2025 12:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-25-2025 2:00 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Depression Rates in Adults
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
Previous literature has concluded that low socioeconomic status and income inequality are linked to increased psychological stress levels and impaired mental health. This research study aims to explore the relationship between socioeconomic income status and depression rates among middle aged adults in America specifically. The hypothesis is that low economic status is related to increased depression rates among adults aged 30-60 years. The exposure variable is socioeconomic status. The outcome variable is depression rates. An observational study design was selected in addition to using cross sectional data. Data used was collected in 2019 by the National Health Interview Survey. The main search criteria when selecting the population was to focus on American adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years. A data analysis was then conducted to determine a statistically significant relationship between socioeconomic status and depression (p-value of 499.411 and p < .001). Means and standard deviations were used as well as a cross tab and chi-square test of independence as the variables are categorical. Specifically, it was found that as income levels decreased, depression rates were seen increasing. These findings are consistent with previous studies on this topic. As a significant risk factor has now been identified, results from this study can be used for interventions to reduce depression rates in America.
Students' Information
Jennifer Gramstorff, Health Science (nutrition and dietetics), Honors, 2025
Alyssa Stagg, Health Science, (not attending but is a coauthor), 2025
Emily Briguet, Health Science, (not attending but is a coauthor), 2025
Samantha Perles, Health Science, (not attending but is a coauthor), 2025