Obesity-Preventive Behaviors and Improvements in Depression among Diverse Utah Women Receiving Coaching from Community Health Workers.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated how high versus low-intensity community wellness coaching and health behaviors were associated with changes in depression screen results over one year.

METHODS: This was an analysis of secondary data collected in a 12-month obesity-related community health worker (CHW) program for 485 Utah women of color. Depression screen (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 score ³3) and self-reported fruit/vegetable consumption and physical activity (FV/PA) were recorded quarterly. Associations between FV/PA and changes in depression screen over time were evaluated in multivariable models.

RESULTS: Positive depression screen prevalence declined over 12 months (21.7% to 9.5%) with no difference between study arms. Overall, FV ³5 times/day (AOR=1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.2), any PA (AOR=3.1; 95% CI 1.5-6.4), and muscle strengthening activities (AOR=1.13; 95% CI 1.01-1.26) were associated with improved depression screen results over time.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate value in addressing and evaluating depression in obesity-related interventions in underserved communities.