Date of Conferral

8-5-2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Patrick Tschida

Abstract

Research shows that, among Hispanics, depression and anxiety disorders are the two most prevalent mental disorders, particularly for Puerto Ricans. The socioecological model approaches mental health conditions from a perspective where multiple levels in society influence health-related behaviors. Based on this approach, this quantitative study looked at how socioeconomic factors - marital status, education, employment, and residential status were related to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in Puerto Ricans. This study also explored whether there were differences between two groups of Puerto Ricans: those living on the island compared to those living in the 50 states. Analysis was conducted using 2014-2016 Mental Health Client Level Data (MH-CLD) data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Logistic regression and chi-square analyses were used on the sample of N=145,362 cases. Results found a statistically significant association between education, marital status, employment, and residential status and the diagnosis of depression and anxiety, with higher odds for Puerto Ricans who were either separated (OR=1.427), unemployed (OR=1.092), and homeless (OR=1.202). Due to the small sample size of applicable cases from Puerto Rico available for analysis, the statistical differences between Puerto Rican populations could not be measured. This study validates the need to support public health initiatives that address homelessness, promote higher education and training, and reduce health disparities among Puerto Ricans.

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