Older Black women have higher rates of depression than Caucasian women (Ward, Mengesha, & Issa, 2014). Factors such as symptom manifestation and severity, culture, trauma, poverty, disempowerment, multiple medical problems, age, and the belief that depression is a normal reaction to life circumstances may result in not seeking professional help (Ward, Mengesha, & Issa, 2014). All these factors are linked to a history of social and economic issues related to social determinants of health among Black women (Robillard et al., 2017). These are recognized as determinants of HIV racial health disparities and are related to gender inequalities and marginalization (Robillard et al., 2017).
The aim of this study is to explore social factors associated with depression among Black older women living with HIV.
Methods: Exploratory study that reviews recent literature addressing social factors/determinants of depression among Black older women living with HIV in the USA. A socio ecological model (SEM) was used to better organize and explain these factors.The social perspective of the SEM suggests that a phenomenon, in this case depression, is influenced by multiple levels of the environment (McLeroy, Bibeau, Steckler, & Glanz, 1998). As the individual grows and socializes in his/her environment, multiple social factors play a role in his/her overall well-being (APA, 2013).
Results: The following social factors have been associated with these women: income, education, health status, health insurance status, exercise, living with a partner, social support, violence, community support, and volunteering. Factors can be grouped in the first three layers of the SEM: (a) intrapersonal factors (biological/personal history factors unique to the individual), (b) interpersonal factors (relationships/associations with others) and (c) community factors (settings in which social relationships occur) (CDC, 2018).
Conclusion: This study expands on scientific knowledge related to social factors associated with depression among older Black women living with HIV. Interventions addressing these factors at multiple levels are needed to improve the overall well being of this growing population.