Primary Care Attributes and Care for Depression Among Low-Income African American Women

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the association between attributes of primary care providers and care for depression, from a patients’ perspective, among a sample of predominantly low-income African American women. Methods. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted among a populationbased sample of 1202 women residing in Washington, DC. Results. Respondents whose primary care physicians provided more comprehensive medical services were more likely to be asked about and treated for depressive symptoms than women whose providers were less medically comprehensive. Women who rated their providers as having more respect for them also were more likely to be asked about and treated for depression. Conclusions. More comprehensive primary care delivery and a physician–patient relationship focused on mutual respect are associated with greater rates of physician inquiry about and treatment for depression among vulnerable women.