Mental Health
Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Ethiopian and Ethiopian-Descent Adults in the Greater Seattle Area: A Cross-Sectional Study Hiwot Weldemariam* Hiwot Weldemariam Weldemariam Weldemariam Weldemariam University of Washington
Background: Depression is a prevalent mental health condition among immigrants and underserved communities. Community-based estimates of depressive symptoms among Ethiopian and Ethiopian-descendant adults in the United States are limited. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between November and December 2024 among adults (≥18 years) who self-identified as Ethiopian or of Ethiopian descent and resided in the Greater Seattle area. Participants were recruited through social media and community networks. Anonymous surveys were administered via REDCap. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9, with scores ≥10 indicating moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Sociodemographic, health, behavioral, and violence-exposure factors were examined. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs. Results: Among 474 participants (mean age 32 years; 51% male; 54% foreign-born), 178 (38%) screened positive for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. In adjusted analyses, higher odds of depressive symptoms were associated with increasing age (aOR = 1.05 per year; 95% CI: 1.01–1.09) and part-time employment (vs. full-time; aOR = 5.0; 95% CI: 2.9–8.5). Compared with excellent self-rated physical health, average (aOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.1–13.1) and poor health (aOR = 21.2; 95% CI: 6.2–81.9) were strongly associated with depressive symptoms. Additional correlates included prior mental health diagnosis (aOR = 5.0; 95% CI: 2.8–9.8), history of postpartum depression (aOR = 6.7; 95% CI: 3.6–13.6), having more than two children (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.9–9.1), recreational substance use (aOR = 5.1; 95% CI: 3.2–8.5), and knowing someone injured or killed by a firearm in the past year (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.6–7.0). Gender, marital status, education, nativity, and years in the U.S. were not significantly associated (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among Ethiopian and Ethiopian-descendant adults in Greater Seattle. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and community-based mental health screening and intervention strategies.