Low executive function (EF) and depression are each determinants of health. This study examined the synergy between deficits in EF (impaired cognitive flexibility; >75th percentile on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test perseverative error score) and depressive symptoms (modified Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression) and preincarceration well-being among incarcerated African American men ( N = 189). In adjusted analyses, having impaired EF and depression was strongly associated with pre-incarceration food insecurity (odds ratio [ OR] = 3.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.35, 10.77]), homelessness ( OR = 3.00, 95% CI [1.02, 8.80]), concern about bills ( OR = 3.76, 95% CI [1.42, 9.95]), low significant other support ( OR = 4.63, 95% CI [1.62, 13.24]), low friend support ( OR = 3.47, 95% CI [1.30, 9.26]), relationship difficulties ( OR = 2.86, 95% CI [1.05, 7.80]), and binge drinking ( OR = 3.62, 95% CI [1.22, 10.80]). Prison-based programs to treat depression and improve problem-solving may improve postrelease success.
Depression, executive dysfunction, and prior economic and social vulnerability associations in incarcerated African American men
Journal of Correctional Health Care, 24 (3), 295-308. doi: 10.1177/1078345818782440. PMCID: PMC6040589.