Self-Reported and Diagnosed Depression in Rural Colorado: Findings from the San Luis Valley Community Health Survey.

Purpose: To gain a better understanding of depression in a rural community, survey results were used to compare differences in self-reported depressive symptoms and medical professional diagnosed depression among demographic groups.

Methods: A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine relationships among the depression-related variables. Logistic regression analyses were also performed to ascertain the effects of demographic characteristics and social support on depression.

A Community-Engaged Approach to Collecting Rural Health Surveillance Data.

Purpose: In order for communities to make health-related, data-driven decisions concerning resource allocation, needed services, and intervention priorities, they need an accurate picture of the health status of residents. While state and national health surveillance systems exist to help local communities make data-driven health decisions, rural communities face unique challenges including: (1) limited county-level data; (2) underrepresented segments of the population; and (3) a lack of survey items to address local health concerns. The purpose of this study was to take a community-engaged approach to collecting population-based health status data in a rural area in an effort to address some of these unique challenges.