Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Poster Number
25d
Document Type
Poster
Status
Recent Alumni
Abstract Category
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Keywords
BRFSS, Depression, Parenthood, Mental Health, LGBTQ+ Health
Streaming Media
Publication Date
Spring 2018
Abstract
Introduction: Rates of depression contribute to the mental health epidemic, with parents in the United States considered a population at greater risk. Framing of mental health and depression has remained centered on cisgender, heterosexual identities (cis-heteronormative) despite diversity in family constellations. This presentation looks to reframe and expand the discussion on LGBTQ+ parents, depression, and mental health. The hypotheses tested look first at the differences in depression diagnosis. Second, the number of poor mental health days per month are examined for differences between the subsamples.
Methods: The study reviewed data from the 2014-2016 BRFSS surveys (n=371,268) focused on parents as compared to non-parents. Analysis used Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) measures alongside self-reported mental health status and depression diagnosis. The results controlled for socioeconomic variations, case demographics, and SOGI data using a pair of regression models (one linear regression model and one binary logistic model). Interaction terms included in the models were constructed between SOGI data and parenthood status.
Results: Protective factors against depression were more evident within the models. All parents are approximately 12% more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression, despite reporting fewer poor mental health days. Expounding on findings related to the SOGI data, the gender and sexual orientation show significant variety. Outcomes support existing research as it pertains to cisgender women being twice as likely as cisgender men to receive a depression diagnosis - however, evidence supports that certain LGBTQ+ populations, when combined with parenthood, show significant reductions in depression diagnosis or self-reported poor mental health days.
Discussion: The interaction between parenthood and LGBTQ+ identities appear protective against depression for some when compared to the reference group (cisgender woman). As such, results encourage a discussion on the mental health benefits of stepping away from the cis-heteronormative framing and approaches toward parenthood narratives. Evidence as it pertains to mental health outcomes bolster existing ethnographic research with quantitative analysis. Taking an intersectional approach to analysis, details on the interaction between identity factors and structural influences can help improve both occurrences of bias and efforts towards preventative mental health program planning. Results encourage a discussion on the mental health benefits of stepping away from the cis-heteronormative framing and approaches toward how social norms perceive and define parenthood.
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Open Access
1
(VIDEO) Reframing Discourse: Using BRFSS Data to Deconstruct Influences of Parenthood on Depression and LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Introduction: Rates of depression contribute to the mental health epidemic, with parents in the United States considered a population at greater risk. Framing of mental health and depression has remained centered on cisgender, heterosexual identities (cis-heteronormative) despite diversity in family constellations. This presentation looks to reframe and expand the discussion on LGBTQ+ parents, depression, and mental health. The hypotheses tested look first at the differences in depression diagnosis. Second, the number of poor mental health days per month are examined for differences between the subsamples.
Methods: The study reviewed data from the 2014-2016 BRFSS surveys (n=371,268) focused on parents as compared to non-parents. Analysis used Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) measures alongside self-reported mental health status and depression diagnosis. The results controlled for socioeconomic variations, case demographics, and SOGI data using a pair of regression models (one linear regression model and one binary logistic model). Interaction terms included in the models were constructed between SOGI data and parenthood status.
Results: Protective factors against depression were more evident within the models. All parents are approximately 12% more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression, despite reporting fewer poor mental health days. Expounding on findings related to the SOGI data, the gender and sexual orientation show significant variety. Outcomes support existing research as it pertains to cisgender women being twice as likely as cisgender men to receive a depression diagnosis - however, evidence supports that certain LGBTQ+ populations, when combined with parenthood, show significant reductions in depression diagnosis or self-reported poor mental health days.
Discussion: The interaction between parenthood and LGBTQ+ identities appear protective against depression for some when compared to the reference group (cisgender woman). As such, results encourage a discussion on the mental health benefits of stepping away from the cis-heteronormative framing and approaches toward parenthood narratives. Evidence as it pertains to mental health outcomes bolster existing ethnographic research with quantitative analysis. Taking an intersectional approach to analysis, details on the interaction between identity factors and structural influences can help improve both occurrences of bias and efforts towards preventative mental health program planning. Results encourage a discussion on the mental health benefits of stepping away from the cis-heteronormative framing and approaches toward how social norms perceive and define parenthood.