Screening for Depression Among Minority Young Males Attending a Family Planning Clinic

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess depression among 535 African American and Hispanic young males ages 14 to 27 attending a family planning clinic. The assessment indicated that 119 (22.2%) males met criteria for depression. The study also examined the associations between depression, sociodemographics, and service requests. Depressed males were more likely than nondepressed males to be Hispanic and to request services related to relationships, feelings, financial resources, physical issues, and well-being. The findings indicated that young males who are affected by depression have unmet needs, but when given an opportunity, are able to express those needs. Because family planning clinics are increasing the number of male clients, they are well positioned to screen them for depression.