J Res Notes | Volume 3, Issue 2 | Research Article | Open Access
Michael Glasser
University of Illinois, Rockford, Illinois, USA
*Correspondance to: Michael Glasser
Fulltext PDFBackground: Depression remains an issue worldwide. Women are at greater risk than men
of experiencing depression, especially women living in rural areas. Mental health care in rural
populations is less easily addressed than in urban areas. This descriptive study examined the
prevalence of depression in women living in rural areas of Illinois. Additionally, it examined
whether existing mental health care services meet the needs of rural women, as well as possible
barriers preventing women from seeking help when needed.
Methods: A survey was distributed to women ages 18 and older living in rural communities of
Illinois.
Results: 189 women completed the survey. 26.1% self-reported depression; when combined with
previously diagnosed depression and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised
(CESD-R) scores, 50.9% were at-risk for depression. Over one-quarter of study participants did not
think available mental health care was sufficient.
Discussion: Prevalence of depression in rural women is high. There is an inconsistency between
need for and use of health care services. Screening for depression in rural primary care settings might
help more women receive adequate treatment. Further research with additional rural communities
is necessary.
Depression; Women; Rural; Primary care; Mental health
Glasser M. Rural Women’s Mental Health: Status and Need for Services. J Res Notes. 2020; 3(2): 1020..