AASD Fall Brown Bag Series: Residential Segregation and Disparities in Anti-Depressant Use: Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
When |
Oct 23, 2012
from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM |
---|---|
Where | 1102 Taliaferro Hall |
Contact Name | Marci G. Deloatch |
Contact Phone | 301-405-1158 |
Add event to calendar |
vCal iCal |
About the Talk
This paper examines neighborhood characteristics as factors implicated in differential use of psychotropic medication used to treat depressive disorders. Research suggests there has been an increase in the diagnosis of depression and treatment using medication for the general population but anti-depressant use is low for African Americans and Latinos compared to whites. Using data from the 2000-2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and 2000 census summary file, we investigate if race/ethnic differences in use are mediated by residential segregation for a sub- population of adults seeking care. We also examine whether prescribing patterns are mediated by residential segregation. The findings reinforce that anti-depressant use varies by segregation further suggesting that disparities are mediated by the social context in which visits occur, underscoring the importance of concentrated poverty, disadvantage, and lower socioeconomic status endemic to minority neighborhoods. Moreover, race/ethnic groups were prescribed less costly medications with more addictive qualities which have implications for continuity of care.
About the Speaker
Dr. Dinwiddie is an Assistant Professor of African American Studies, Faculty Associate at the Maryland Population Research Center and Faculty Affiliate in the Department of Sociology at the University of Maryland College Park. She is also an Associate Faculty Member in the Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health.
Visit Professor Dinwiddie's web page: http://www.bsos.umd.edu/aasp/faculty/dinwiddie.htm