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Factors associated with depressive symptoms in African American crack cocaine smokers

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Few studies have examined factors associated with depressive symptoms in crack cocaine smokers, although cocaine use has been linked to depression. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of depressive symptoms in a sample of 799 HIV-positive and HIV-seronegative African-American crack cocaine smokers. Multiple regression modelling revealed that anxiety was strongly and positively associated with depressive symptoms. In addition, being female and more frequent crack smoking were also found to be associated. Higher self-esteem and decision-making confidence were found to be associated with less often experiencing depressive symptoms. The model accounted for 64% of the variance in the data. It was noteworthy that HIV infection, as such, was not associated with depressive symptoms. The study has important implication for mental health and health promotion interventions targeting crack cocaine smokers.

Source: Journal of Substance Use

DOI: 10.1080/14659890802695857

Authors: L. Nilsson Schönnesson, M. Williams, J. Atkinson, S. Timpson

Institutions: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm South General Hospital, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse