Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore using BRFSS data to assess mental health in a community. We describe and compare adults reporting diagnosed depression and adults reporting poor mental health and the associations of chronic diseases with each condition in Travis County, Texas. Significant associations between each mental health condition and chronic diseases existed; however, demographics, risk behaviors, and health care access differed between those reporting depression and those reporting poor mental health. Assessing poor mental health in addition to diagnosed depression can identify at-risk and potentially undiagnosed populations.