Abstract
BACKGROUND: Systemic inequities lead to socioeconomic disparities and increased exposure to neighborhood deprivation among African American women, which in turn may have impacts on mental health. This study examined the individual and cumulative effects of neighborhood deprivation and experiences of trauma on depression among young African American mothers. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study using data from the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure (InterGEN) study. We analyzed demographic and psychological data of 248 participants in Southwest and Central Connecticut, employing descriptive statistics, latent class analysis, and regression analysis to predict depressive symptoms. RESULTS: In unadjusted models, high potentially traumatic event (PTE) exposure, avoidance coping, and stress were statistically significant predictors of depressive symptoms across all time points. Once adjusted, avoidance coping and stress remained statistically significant at baseline; neighborhood deprivation, mid-level PTE, and stress remained statistically significant at T2; and only stress remained statistically significant at T3. CONCLUSIONS: There is a critical need for a comprehensive approach to address systemic issues rooted in racism and strengthen community resilience to improve mental health among young African American mothers, their families, and communities. Interventions that build on existing community strengths, provide psychological support, and enhance individual coping skills may be effective in fostering resilience and improving mental health.