Exploring the moderating role of gender in the link between depressive symptoms and non-household transportation use: a cross-sectional study in rural Alabama

The lack of transportation options is a common denominator for insufficient access to basic needs in rural areas, and the literature notes differences in the distribution of transportation use by gender. This study investigated whether gender moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and non-household transportation use among Black/African Americans in rural areas in Alabama. Multiple regression was performed to examine the interaction effect between depressive symptoms and gender on non-household transportation use. Depressive symptoms and gender interacted with one another to be associated with the use of non-household transportation. Among those with higher depressive symptoms, females are less likely to use non-household transportation compared to males. Health insurance, perceived transportation barriers, and car ownership were significantly associated with non-household transportation use. To reduce gender gaps in non-personal transportation access in resource-limited communities, it is crucial for service organizations or governmental authorities to focus on more vulnerable groups to resolve their unmet transportation needs.