Sociodemographic Factors and Determinants of Mental Health in the African American Population. A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Mental disorders are a growing public health concern in Lat-in America, particularly among marginalized populations. This study aimed to identi-fy the prevalence and associated risk factors of mental disorders in Afro-descendant communities of the Río Chota Basin, a historically excluded population facing persis-tent social and economic inequalities. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in several rural communities using random sampling. A total of 557 participants were assessed for sociodemographic factors and mental health status us-ing validated instruments: the Global Mental Health Assessment Tool–Primary Care (GMHAT/PC), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the WHO STEPS questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and infer-ential tests to determine associations between psychosocial, behavioral, and socioeco-nomic variables and the presence of mental disorders. Results: The overall prevalence of mental disorders was extremely high (60.7%), exceeding national and regional esti-mates. The most prevalent conditions were major depressive disorder (15.6–17.9%), anxiety disorders (10.2–12.3%), and psychosis with depressive symptoms (8.3–11.5%), with higher rates among women. Low fruit and vegetable intake and income below the minimum wage were significantly associated with greater prevalence. Severe stress and experiences of abuse or maltreatment showed the strongest associations with mental disorders (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Afro-descendant communities in the Río Chota Basin experience a disproportionately high burden of mental illness influenced by intertwined socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral determinants. Culturally sensitive interventions that promote resilience, community support, and reduction of structural inequalities are urgently needed.