Incidence, sources, and self-management of depression in persons attending a rural health clinic in southeastern North Carolina.

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, sources, and self-management strategies of depression in a sample of 48 persons visiting a primary care clinic in rural Southeastern North Carolina. Forty percent of the participants met the criteria of clinical depression on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Highest rates of depression found in single, African American men who were employed with adequate health insurance were attributed primarily to work related stressors in dealing with overwhelming social problems of other rural residents, as well as economic stressors. Critical incident interviews identified depression self-management strategies and sources of social support.