Mental health and access to services among US women of reproductive age

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to estimate prevalence of depression and serious psychological distress (SPD) and mental health service receipt among reproductive-age women.

Study design: We used 2006-2007 nationally representative data to estimate the prevalence of depression and SPD among nonpregnant women aged 18 to 44 years. Using logistic regression, we individually examined predictors of depression and SPD and characteristics associated with clinical diagnosis and current treatment.

Results: More than 14% of women had current depression and 2.7% had current SPD. Risk factors for major depression and SPD included older age, less education, being unmarried, inability to work/unemployed, and low income. Among depressed women, 18-24 year-olds, nonwhite women, those with children, the employed, and urban women had lower odds of clinical diagnosis. Among women with SPD, Hispanic, employed, and those without health insurance had lower odds of receiving treatment.

Conclusion: Mental health conditions are prevalent among women of reproductive age and a substantial proportion goes untreated.