Presenter
Aisha Drammeh
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-25-2023
Abstract
This study examined the association between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among Rhode Island young adults. The 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey recruited 1,022 young adults aged 18-25 years who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of the year. Multivariable logistic regression for depressive symptoms controlled for sexual and gender identity, race/ethnicity, social status, age, employment, and student status. Odds of depressive symptoms increased for experiences of childhood racial discrimination (+70%; 95%CI: 14%, 155%) and any racial discrimination (+56%; 95%CI: 6%, 130%), but not for racial discrimination in adulthood (+38%; 95%CI: -8%, 108%). Experiences of racial discrimination increase odds of depressive symptoms among young adults. Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of adversity like racial discrimination. Prevention measures such as universal screening for childhood adversity, incorporating antiracism education into all institutional settings, and continued nondiscrimination policy and enforcement should be employed.
Faculty Mentor
Samantha Rosenthal, PhD, MPH
Academic Discipline
BS - Health Science
Repository Citation
Drammeh, Aisha; Tobin, Abigail; Rosenthal, Samantha; Swanberg, Jennifer; and Noel, Jonathan, "The Mental Health Burden of Racial Discrimination in Young Adults" (2023). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 13.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/13