Use of the CES-D among a community sample of older Mexican-Americans.

This study is a descriptive and comparative analysis of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale as administered to a sample of Mexican-Americans (n = 455) age 45 years and older. This sample was part of a cross-sectional survey (Health and Lifestyles After 45) carried out in 1985-1987 by the University Center on Aging at San Diego State University. Results indicate that CES-D mean scores (overall = 11.3) and caseness rates (overall = 25.9%) are comparable with depression data reported from other studies among samples of Mexican-Americans. Factor analysis provided evidence indicating cultural response preferences among Mexican-Americans, particularly immigrants, who tend to somatize dysphoric complaints. A re-examination of an often cited CES-D ethnic validation study is included. Implications for construct validity of the CES-D among older Mexican-Americans are discussed.