Presenter
Sheriyah Hicks
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Previous research has examined the association between pregnancy status and mental health, with depression being prevalent among those who are pregnant. Similarly, research has also shows that those with lower socioeconomic status are at risk for depressive symptoms. This study fills a gap by examining whether pregnancy status among cis gendered women with low-income levels are at a greater risk for a depression diagnosis. To answer this research question, we utilized data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) using SPSS statistical software. A population of 235,893 respondents, self-identified as Female, were included in descriptive and chi-square analysis. Cross tabulations of pregnancy and income level and pregnancy, and depression status were conducted. Preliminary results presented statistical significance between pregnancy status and depression diagnosis across income level. Specifically, the results showed that those who are pregnant had a 75.3% chance of not having depression compared to the 24.2% who did. Pregnant women fit within the income categories of $100,000 to < $200,000 and $200,000 or more However those who were pregnant and within the $15,000 to < $25,000 income category had the largest chance of being diagnosed with depression at 41.9%. Results can help inform interventions that prioritize and promote prenatal health focused on the mental health of the mother from lower income households.
Faculty Mentor
Sara Namazi, Ph.D, M.S.
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Hicks, Sheriyah, "Pregnancy Status, Depression, and income level" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 343.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/343
