The association between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular events in African American adults with diabetes mellitus

Background: While previous research has investigated depression among minority populations with chronic diseases, very limited data exists in describing interactions between diabetes mellitus, depression, and CVD in African Americans.;Objective: The purpose of this research study is to examine the association of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular events among African American adults with diabetes. The overall goal of this research study is to contribute vital information towards describing how depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors could act as predictors of cardiovascular events among a highly vulnerable population.;Methods: Participants of this cross-sectional study included 660 African American adults with diabetes mellitus from the NHANES, years 2007-2012. Data from the study was used to examine associations of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular events among African American adults. The analyses conducted consisted of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events.;Results: African American adults with diabetes who experienced severe depressive symptoms were two and a half times more likely to experience a cardiovascular event (OR: 2.494, 95% CI: 1.240--5.018, p < .01). In a larger model that adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and demographic factors, significance for severe depression predicting cardiovascular events was eliminated. However, this larger model was significant in predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events (chi2: 70.569, p < .001).;Conclusion: The findings of this analysis suggest that severe depressive symptoms and specific cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with diabetes are able independently predict the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in African Americans.;Implications: Increased knowledge of the connection between diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease among minorities would be helpful in designing culturally effective depression screening strategies and treatment plans. Appropriate screening is imperative at all stages of a disease state, as unscreened, undiagnosed, or untreated depression can encourage undesirable behaviors that increase risk for the development of additional chronic diseases.