CDC: Racial, ethnic disparities in prevalence of mental health conditions, substance abuse during COVID-19

Editor's Note

This study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of current depression, increased or newly initiated substance use, and suicidal thoughts/ideation has been higher for some racial and ethnic minority groups, especially Hispanics.

A survey of 1,004 US adults taken between April and May 2020, finds:

• current depression in 28.6% overall—Whites 25.3%, Blacks 27.7%, Hispanics 40.3%
• initiating or increasing substance use in 18.2% overall—Whites 14.3%, Blacks 15.6%, Hispanics 36.9%
• suicidal thoughts/ideation in 8.4% overall—Whites 5.3%, Blacks 5.2%, Hispanics 22.0%.

Hispanic adults also report a higher prevalence of psychosocial stress related to not having enough food or stable housing.

When addressing psychosocial stressors, mental health conditions, and substance misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, interventions should be tailored for racial and ethnic minority groups, the researchers say.