Perceived reasons for depression among low income women of Mexican descent

From a larger cross-sectional study of 315 women of Mexican descent, this secondary analysis focused on short answers to open-ended questions related to reasons given by 107 women at risk for depression (>16 on CES-D) for feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or depression within the last month. Data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Six categories of reasons were derived from data including: (1) partner issues, (2) family issues, (3) feelings of being alone, (4) inability to provide for material needs, (5) bodily symptoms and experiences, and (6) vague nonspecific reasons. Results are useful for designing future treatment programs.