Depression trajectories in relatively recent immigrants

Prevalence, Correlates, and Impact of Psychiatric Disorders and Treatment Utilization Among Muslims in the United States: Results from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions

There is a paucity of research on the true prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Muslim Americans. This research aims to explore the prevalence, correlates and impact of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) in Muslims as compared with a non-Muslim sample. We used propensity scores to match 372 individuals who self-identified as Muslims from The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III with a control group (n = 744) from the same dataset. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was similar in Muslim Americans and non-Muslims. Help-seeking was generally low, but Muslims with a lifetime history of PTSD were less likely than non-Muslims with PTSD to seek help through self-help groups (2.2% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.05). Moreover, Muslims with mood disorders experienced lower mental health scores compared to non-Muslims with mood disorders. Efforts need to be made to identify psychiatric disorders in this faith group and engage in treatment.

Impact of new country, discrimination, and acculturation-related factors on depression and anxiety among ex-Soviet Jewish migrants: data from a population-based cross-national comparison study

Migration, displacement, and flight are major worldwide phenomena and typically pose challenges to mental health. Therefore, migrants' mental health, and the factors which may predict it, have become an important research subject. The present population-based cross-national comparison study explores symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization, as well as quality-of-life in samples of ex-Soviet Jewish migrants settling in three new countries: Germany, Austria and Israel, as well as in a sample of non-migrant ex-Soviet Jews in their country of origin, Russia. In the current study, we investigate the relationship of perceived xenophobiа and antisemitism, acculturation attitudes, ethnic and national identity, as well as affiliation with Jewish religion and culture to the psychological well-being of these migrants. Furthermore, we consider xenophobic and antisemitic attitudes as well as the acculturation orientation of the new countries' societies, assessed in the native control samples. Our data suggest that attitudes of the new country's society matter for the mental health of this migrant group. We conclude that the level of distress among ex-Soviet Jewish migrants seems to depend, among other factors, on the characteristics of the new country and/or specific interactions of the migrant population with the society they are settling in.

Religiosity, perceived anti-Semitism, xenophobia and mental health: Experiences of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union in Austria and Germany

Research about the relation between migration and mental health as well as factors influencing the mental health of migrants has been growing because challenges of migration can constitute a significant mental health burden. However, its divergent findings seem to reflect group-specific differences, e.g., regarding country of origin and receiving country. Almost no empirical studies about individual migrant groups in different receiving countries have been undertaken so far. The present population-based study explores symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization as well as quality of life in an Austrian and a German sample of ex-Soviet Jewish migrants. We mainly investigate the relationship of religiosity and perceived xenophobic and anti-Semitic discrimination to the psychological condition of the migrants. Standardized self-report scales, specifically the Beck-Depression-Inventory-II (BDI), State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), were used to measure mental health. Ex-Soviet Jewish migrants in Austria showed significantly more symptoms of depression than those in Germany. Regression analyses support a protective effect of religiosity on mental health in the sample in Germany and an adverse effect of perceived discrimination in the sample in Austria. The present study reveals a less favorable situation for ex-Soviet Jewish migrants in Austria, in terms of income, residence status, and xenophobic attitudes in the local population, compared to the group in Germany. Furthermore, our data suggest that the receiving country matters for the mental health of this migrant group. However, further research is needed to support these conclusions.

Epidemiology of depression among displaced people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Displaced people are prone to develop mental health problems due to resettlement in new environments, traumatic events and forced migration. Depression is a mental health problem repeatedly observed among displaced people such as refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Therefore, estimating the global pooled prevalence of depression as well as pinpointing its determinants may support policymakers and health care workers to mitigate the disease burden and improve the psychological well-being of displaced people.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHIL, Psych-INFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched for English written relevant observational studies conducted between 1984 and 2020. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Heterogeneity across studies was checked using the Q- and I² test. Publication bias was checked by observing Funnel plot symmetry and using Egger's regression test. STATA 16 was used to combine studies using a random effect model.

RESULTS

Of the 4102 studies identified, 81 studies with an overall sample size of 53,458 were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate of depression among displaced people was 26.4% (95% CI; 22.2-31.1). Also, three in five IDPs, one in three refugees and asylum seekers and one in four migrants suffer from depression globally. Being female migrant [AOR: 2.46 95% CI: 1.79-3.13, I²=34.5%), non-partnered marital status [AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.29-3.30, I²= 0.00%], and perceived low social support [AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.00-2.52, I²=34.6%] were significant determinants of depression among displaced people.

CONCLUSION

Overall, around 1 in 4 displaced people suffer from depression and exceed the prevalence of depression reported by community samples in different nations and demonstrate a need for culturally fitting and targeted responses from migrant/refugee host nations and their serving clinicians.

Support and Emotional Well-Being of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Spain

Although the world’s forcibly displaced population reached 79.5 million in 2019, their difficult situations and the issues they struggle with remain practically invisible in Spanish society. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide greater insight into an invisible reality to improve the refugees’ situation. The present cross-sectional study aims to draw a general profile of refugees’ and asylum seekers’ main characteristics in Spain and their well-being. A total of 186 refugees living in Spain participated. An ad-hoc questionnaire was administered to obtain data regarding sociodemographic profile, language skills, and social and institutional support. A standardized instrument, SPANE, was used to measure well-being. It can be seen that healthcare, followed by legal aid, are the easiest to access. On the other hand, finding a job, having money, and finding housing are the most difficult. In general, it seems possible to say that the refugees present more positive feelings than negative ones, which implies a positive emotional balance, although the average score obtained for emotional balance is quite far from the highest possible score. We consider this to be a pivotal first step which can provide useful information for the further design of aid strategies to improve this vulnerable group’s situation.

Migration and depression: A cross-national comparison of Mexicans in sending communities and Durham, NC

RATIONALE

Latino immigrants have been shown to average better health and longevity than native whites, in spite of their relative socioeconomic disadvantage. However, mental health outcomes stand in stark contrast to this epidemiological "paradox," as factors such as depression are significantly higher for Latino immigrants than other groups.

OBJECTIVE

We explore the link between migration and depressive feelings using a binational random survey of Mexicans in Durham, NC and sending communities in Mexico.

METHOD

Explanations for the link between migration and depression, such as acculturative stress, lack of social support, and powerlessness and isolation, are analyzed by comparing results for protective vs. risk factors between residents of Mexico and Durham, and among immigrants themselves. Besides, selection hypothesis is explored using propensity matching scores.

RESULTS

Results show little support for selection as an important source of migrant depression, and instead provide strong evidence that migration itself, and the disruption of social networks that it entails, is primarily responsible for the association. Family separation, in particular, is the strongest predictor of depressive feelings and accounts for a sizeable portion of the heightened depression among migrants.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the subjective experiences of migration is necessary to better integrate newcomers into host societies.

Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluations of the Enhanced Logo-autobiography Program for Korean-American Women

This study extends Bernstein et al.'s (2016) investigation of the effects of the Enhanced Logo-autobiography Program on Korean-American women's depressive symptoms, coping strategies, purpose in life, and posttraumatic growth by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. This study's participants significantly improved on quantitative measures of depression, coping strategies, purpose in life, and post-traumatic growth at eight weeks post-intervention and follow-up. The qualitative content analysis revealed 17 themes with five essential themes. The program's activity to promote purpose in life through posttraumatic growth facilitated participants' recovery from traumatic experiences. Standardized guidelines are needed to conduct this program in Korean community centers.

Longitudinal study of stress, social support, and depression in married Arab immigrant women

Using a stress and social support framework, this study explored the trajectory of depression in 388 married Arab immigrant women. The women provided three panels of data approximately 18 months apart. Depression at Time 3 was regressed on Time 1 depression, socio-demographic variables, and rate of change over time in stress and social support. The regression model was significant and accounted for 41.16% of the variation in Time 3 depression scores. Time 1 depression, English reading ability, husband's employment status, changes over time in immigration demands, daily hassles, and social support from friends were associated with Time 3 depression.

Long-Term Depressive Symptoms and Acculturative Stress Issues Among Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union

BACKGROUND

Previous studies regarding depressive symptoms and acculturative stress among immigrants have been limited to the initial period after immigration.

OBJECTIVE

The relationships between depressive symptoms, acculturation, and acculturative stress among immigrants from the former Soviet Union were examined in this descriptive study.

DESIGN

Eighty immigrants from the former Soviet Union who had immigrated within the past 20 years were recruited in various community locations.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 80), including recent and longer residing immigrants, reported elevated depressive symptoms and acculturative stress. Acculturative stress predicted depressive symptoms, controlling for dominant culture (American) immersion. However, length of time in the United States was not associated with depressive symptoms, ethnic culture immersion, or acculturative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that elevated depressive symptoms are related to acculturative stress but are not confined to the initial adjustment period. Steps to decrease acculturative stress might help decrease depressive symptoms in immigrants regardless of the number of years lived in the United States.

Construction and Preliminary Validation of the Barcelona Immigration Stress Scale

In the study of mental health and migration, an increasing number of researchers have shifted the focus away from the concept of acculturation towards the stress present in the migratory experience. The bulk of research on acculturative stress has been carried out in the United States, and thus the definition and measurement of the construct has been predicated on that cultural and demographic context, which is of dubious applicability in Europe in general, and Spain in particular. Further, some scales have focused on international students, which down-played the importance of the migratory process, because it deals with a special subset of people who are not formally immigrating. The Barcelona Immigration Stress Scale was developed to measure acculturative stress appropriate to immigrants in Spain, using expert and focus group review and has 42 items. The scale shows acceptable internal validity, and, consistent with other scales, suggests that immigration stress is a complex construct.

Association between Social Integration and Health among Internal Migrants in ZhongShan, China

Internal migrants are the individuals who migrate between regions in one country. The number of internal migrants were estimated at 245 million in China in 2013. Results were inconsistent in the literature about the relationship between their health statuses and social integration. The main difference exists on how to measure the social integration and whether health statuses of internal migrants improve with years of residence. To complement the existing literature, this study measured social integration more comprehensively and estimated the internal migrants’ health statuses with varying years of residence, and explored the associations between the migrants’ social integration and health. We used the data from 2014 Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey of Health and Family Planning in ZhongShan, China. Health status was measured from four aspects: self-reported health, subjective well-being, perception of stress, mental health. We measured social integration through four dimensions: economy, social communication, acculturation, and self-identity. The analyses used multiple linear regressions to examine the associations between self-reported health, subjective well-being, and perception of stress, mental health and social integration. The analytical sample included 1,999 households of the internal migrants and 1,997 local registered households, who were permanent residents in ZhongShan. Among the internal migrants, Adults in the labor force, who were aged 25 to 44 years old, accounted for 91.2% of the internal migrant population, while 74.6% of the registered population were in that age group. Median residential time among migrants was 2.8 (1.3–6.2) years, and 20.2% of them were migrating in the same Guangdong province. Except for mental health, other health statuses among migrants had significant differences compared with local registered population, e.g. self-reported health was better, but subjective well-being was worse. However, these health measurements were improved with more years of residence. Moreover, our results show that two aspects of social integration, economic integration and self-identity, were significantly associated with health status. Subjective feeling of relative social status levels were more associated with health, which prompted the attention to social fairness and the creation of a fair and respectful culture. More interventions could be experimented, such as encouraging internal migrants to participate in community activities more actively, educating local registered residents to treat internal migrants more equally, and developing self-identity among internal migrants. Better social, economic, and cultural environment can benefit internal migrants’ health statuses.

Prevalence and correlates of depression among new U.S. immigrants

Although immigrants comprise one of the fastest growing segments of society, information on their adjustment to life in the US remains limited. The present study examined the prevalence of depression and associated correlates among a national sample of immigrants newly admitted to legal permanent residence to the US. Data were derived from the baseline adult cohort of the New Immigrant Survey, a national representative sample of immigrants who had obtained legal permanent residence between May and November 2003. Approximately 3% of respondents met criteria for probable depression in the past 12 months. Respondents who were female, younger in age, in the US for a longer period of time, and exposed to political violence in their country of origin were more likely to meet criteria for probable depression. Both pre-immigration and resettlement related factors were associated with probable depression. Further research is needed to better understand how processes in the country of origin and in the resettlement country influence the adjustment of immigrants.

Depression and health-seeking behaviour among migrant workers in Shenzhen

BACKGROUND

This study describes the prevalence of depression symptoms and its impact on health-seeking behaviour among Chinese migrant workers in a sample of 1,533 Shenzhen residents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered in Shenzhen with a random sample of 859 registered and 674 non-registered residents. The 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) scale was used to measure depression symptoms. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to assess healthcare services utilisation.

RESULTS

Non-registered residents were more likely to have clinically significant depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥ 16) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.81; confidence interval (CI) = 1.18, 2.76). Despite this, depressed non-registered residents had no significant difference in health-seeking behaviour when compared to those without depression (OR = 2.86; CI = 0.98, 8.32), while in contrast, depressed registered residents had a positive and stronger association with healthcare services utilisation and/or self-medication (OR = 3.34; CI = 1.28, 8.71).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest higher prevalence of depression but less utilisation of healthcare services or self-medication among migrant residents. That migrants with depression lack access to healthcare suggests healthcare inequality. Psychological disorders require careful management and treatment; the mismatch in their health needs and access to care may contribute to the Inverse-care law.

Migration and common mental disorder: an improvement in mental health over time?

Global migration is reaching record high levels and UK migrant groups comprise an increasing proportion of the total population. The migratory process causes stress that can affect mental health. There is limited consistent empirical evidence of a longitudinal nature to explain the association between migration and mental health. This review aims to examine the evidence of a relationship between migration and common mental disorder (CMD) amongst migrants over time. A comprehensive search of medical and psychiatric databases for global quantitative empirical studies investigating incidence of CMD amongst adult migrants from 1975 to July 2012 was conducted. Declines in rates of CMD amongst migrants over time were reported by two thirds of the 18 studies reviewed, less than one third of which were statistically significant. On the contrary, three studies showed an increased rate of CMD, one statistically significant. Individual psychological resources, social support, the acculturation process, cultural variations and time since relocation are identified as statistically significant protective factors against the development of CMD amongst migrants. New enlightening points include the significant impact of varying patterns of psychological distress, of which negative is the most adverse for CMD. Migration is an extremely complex process. Further clarification is needed to gain deeper understanding of the relationship between migration and CMD to address contradictions in the literature and health inequalities amongst migrants.

Comparison of major depressive disorder onset among foreign-born Asian Americans: Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese ethnic groups

Using a nationally representative sample of 1280 Asian Americans, we examined the extent to which major depressive disorder (MDD) onset differs by ethnicity and its associated factors for each of the three ethnic groups: Vietnamese, Filipino, and Chinese. We employed the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the survival and hazard functions for MDD onset by ethnicity, and cox proportional hazards models to identify socio-demographic and immigration-related factors associated with MDD onset. Approximately 7% of the entire sample had experienced MDD onset in their lifetime. Filipino immigrants showed the highest survival function, followed by Vietnamese immigrants over time. Those who were never-married or divorced were more likely to experience MDD onset when compared to their married or cohabiting counterparts. Those who immigrated at a younger age were more likely to experience MDD onset than were those who immigrated at an older age. However, there were ethnic variations in terms of the risk factors that were associated with MDD onset across these three ethnic groups. Findings from this study signal the importance of understanding the differing experiences of MDD onset by ethnicity.

Correlates of depressive symptoms in married immigrant women in Korea

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the correlates of depressive symptoms among women who have immigrated to Korea for marriage.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data reflecting Korean language fluency, acculturation, acculturative stress, general stress, and marital satisfaction were collected from 223 married immigrant women.

FINDINGS

There was a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and Korean language fluency as well as between depressive symptoms and Korean acculturation. Multiple linear regression revealed that depressive symptoms among married immigrant women were predicted by levels of acculturative stress, general stress, marital satisfaction, and type of household. The model including each of these variables accounted for 41.9% of the variance in depressive symptoms in these women.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention programs for the management of depression in immigrant women should include an evaluation of acculturative conflict and stress and should consider marital and family conditions.

Depression and associated factors in internal migrant workers in China

BACKGROUND

Internal migrant workers are a large population in China. Current health related studies among this population mainly focused on infectious disease, maternal health and occupational diseases and injuries. However, very limited studies were paid attention to mental health of migrant workers though it is an important public health issue.

AIMS

The current study aims to understand prevalence of depression symptoms and factors associated with depression among Chinese migrant workers using novel methods to develop a comprehensive sample.

METHODS

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was employed to recruit the target population, who are required 1) not to hold a hukou indicative of living in central areas or near suburbs of Chengdu city; 2) to be 16 years or older; 3) not to be a student. The Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depression symptoms of migrant workers. And then Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to explore factors associated with depression among Chinese migrant workers.

RESULTS

Among 1180 migrant workers, 23.7% of them had clinically relevant depression symptoms (CES-D score >= 16), and 12.8% were consistent with a clinical diagnosis of depression (CES-D score >= 21). Self-rated economic status, city adaptation status, and self-rated health had negative effects on depression. Social economic status (SES) affected depression, and was mediated by self-rated economic status and self-rated health. City adaptation status was affected by length of residence in the city, satisfaction with one's job, and the social support that one could obtain while living in the city.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicated a higher prevalence of depression symptoms among migrant workers comparing to general population reported by previous studies, identified possible factors associated with depression symptoms, and also explored relationships between these factors. Our study provides a model to understand mental health of Chinese internal migrant workers and to generate important research questions for the future.

Immigration distress and associated factors among Vietnamese women in transnational marriages in Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to explore the types and predictors of immigration distress among Vietnamese women in transnational marriages in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey with face-to-face interviews was conducted for data collection. A convenient sample of 203 Vietnamese women in transnational marriages in southern Taiwan was recruited. The Demographic Inventory measured the participants' age, education, employment status, religion, length of residency and number of children, as well as their spouse's age, education, employment status and religion. The Demand of Immigration Specific Distress scale measured the level of distress and had six subscales: loss, novelty, occupational adjustment, language accommodation, discrimination and alienation. Among the 203 participants, 6.4% had a high level of immigration distress; 91.1% had moderate distress; and 2.5% had minor distress. Higher mean scores were found for the loss, novelty and language accommodation subscales of the Demand of Immigration Specific Distress scale. Participant's (r = 0.321, p < 0.01) and spouse's (r = 0.375, p < 0.01) unemployment, and more children (r = 0.129, p < 0.05) led to greater immigration distress. Length of residency in Taiwan (r = 0.576, p < 0.001) was an effective predictor of immigration distress. It indicated that the participants who had stayed fewer years in Taiwan had a higher level of immigrant distress. Health care professionals need to be aware that the female newcomers in transnational marriages are highly susceptible to immigration distress. The study suggests that healthcare professionals need to provide a comprehensive assessment of immigration distress to detect health problems early and administer culturally appropriate healthcare for immigrant women in transnational marriages.

Depression and Nigerian-born immigrant women in the United States: a phenomenological study

This phenomenological study, using the Husserlian philosophy, explored the perceptions of Nigerian-born immigrant women in the United States and their portrayal of depression. Through face-to-face, semi-structured, audio-taped interviews incorporating open-ended questions and probes to facilitate discussion, the study examined a purposive sample of 19 Nigerian-born immigrant women's perception of depression. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's seven step method of data analysis. The findings from the study uncovered six themes: (1) craziness and madness; (2) curse and evil spirit possession; (3) denial and secrecy; (4) isolation and rejection; (5) spirituality and religion; and (6) need for education. Findings indicated that Nigerian-born women were not able to differentiate depression from other types of mental illnesses. The women described depression as something that affects others and not them. The women's perception provided insight into why the clergy was preferred for treatment of depression rather than health care professionals. The findings of the study should increase the awareness of nurses and other health care professionals of the need to focus on evidence-based, culturally specific research, and illuminate issues surrounding depression in this population.

Demands of Immigration, Health Literacy, and Depression in Recent Latino Immigrants

Latino immigrants have unique stressors that can influence mental health. The challenges of adapting to a new society include language barriers, separation from family, and feelings of loss, which can lead to depression. Low health literacy may make it difficult to obtain health care services, and depression may then go untreated. This secondary data analysis examined the relationships of immigration demands, health literacy, and depression in a sample of recent Latino immigrants. Depressive symptoms were a significant problem; 26% of the participants reported symptoms that were suggestive of depression. Furthermore, low health literacy and greater immigration demands predicted higher depression scores. The study suggests that recent Latino immigrants would benefit from health literacy training, education on depressive symptoms, and better access to mental health services. Latinos who do access health care services need to be screened for depression; furthermore, home health care nurses can promote access to support and health care services.

Biopolíticas da depressão nos imigrantes Africanos

Este artigo foca o tema controverso das biopolíticas da depressão em imigrantes, em particular nos originários da África sub-sahariana. Os sintomas depressivos, ligados à ansiedade, são identificados também pela nova e mais importante patologia mental dos imigrantes: a Síndroma de Ulisses, de stress múltiplo e crónico, já definido como "o mal do século vinte e um", e que atinge principalmente os africanos. Não só entre estes imigrantes mas também em África, segundo um estudo conduzido pela OMS, a depressão tornou-se uma das principais patologias mentais. O tratamento farmacológico do sofrimento, entendido como fenómeno orgânico, é considerado o único caminho possível, silenciando os processos históricos, políticos e socioeconómicos que lhe estão na base. A atenção é portanto focada na saúde mental do indivíduo, desviando-a de problemas sociais de difícil resolução, que necessitariam de respostas económicas e políticas.

Mental health implications of migration: a review of mental health community studies on Russian-speaking immigrants in Israel

INTRODUCTION

Since late 1980s, 1,001,726 immigrants arrived in Israel from the former Soviet Union (FSU). A review of community studies on the mental health of these immigrants is presented.

METHOD

Israeli studies from the past two decades were reviewed. Presented are findings on the prevalence of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders as well as on a number of risk factors among FSU immigrants.

RESULTS

Higher psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity were consistently found among FSU immigrants compared to the Israel-born. Social support was identified as a major stress-mitigating factor in migration. Most studies reveal the persistence of psychological distress among FSU immigrants during the first 5 years following migration, with a risk period around the second and third years following migration.

DISCUSSION

Findings from Israel corroborate some findings on immigrants in other countries but as they are limited to a single immigrant population, replication of these studies is necessary.

Mental health of immigrants from the former Soviet Bloc: a future problem for primary health care in the enlarged European Union? A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Enlargement of the European Union has caused worries about the possibility of increased migration from its new members, the former Soviet countries, and consequently increased demands on the health care systems of the host countries. This study investigated whether or not earlier immigrants from the former Soviet Bloc have poorer self-reported mental health, measured as self-reported psychiatric illness and psychosomatic complaints, than the host population in Sweden. It also examined the particular factors which might determine the self-reported mental health of these immigrants.

METHODS

The cross-sectional national sample included 25-84-year-old Swedish-born persons (n = 35,459) and immigrants from Poland (n = 161), other East European countries (n = 164), and the former Soviet Union (n = 60) who arrived in Sweden after 1944 and were interviewed during 1994-2001. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression was used in the analyses.

RESULTS

The findings indicated that the country of birth had a profound influence on self-reported mental health. Polish and other East European immigrants in general had a twofold higher odds ratio of reporting psychiatric illness and psychosomatic complaints, which fact could not be explained by adjustments for the demographic and socioeconomic variables. However, immigrants from the former Soviet Union had odds similar to those of the Swedish-born reference group. Adjustments for migration-related variables (language spoken at home and years in Sweden) changed the association between the country of birth and the outcomes only to a limited extent.

CONCLUSION

Since poor mental health may hinder acculturation, the mental health of immigrants from Poland and other East European countries should be acknowledged, particularly with the expansion of the European Union and inclusion of nine former Soviet Bloc countries by 2007.

Nonlinear relationship between length of residence and depression in a community-based sample of Vietnamese Americans

BACKGROUND

Length of residence has been viewed as an indicator of acculturation among immigrants and refugees in their host society. This study aims to test an inverted U relationship between length of residence and depression in a community-based sample of Vietnamese Americans.

METHODS

Data were collected from a community-based survey of adult Vietnamese Americans living in an East Coast metropolitan area consisting of 349 respondents aged 18 and older. However, due to missing data, the actual sample in our regression analysis using listwise deletion method is 311. Among the participants, 52.1% are female (n = 182), and 47.9% are male (n = 167). The age of the respondents ranges from 18 to 73 years with the average age being 38.76 (SD = 13.76). The average number of years that the participants lived within the United States was 7.01 years (SD = 5.22).

RESULTS

Findings from a polynomial regression analysis support the hypothesis that depression levels tend to be high during the first decade of initial resettlement. However, after approximately 12.5 years, depression levels decrease.

CONCLUSION

As revealed by the data and community experts, immigrants/ refugees tend to suffer from higher levels of psychological problems during their first decade of resettlement. It takes more than a decade for a non-English-speaking immigrant or refugee to adjust psychologically into his/her host society.

Factors associated with depression experience of immigrant populations: a study of Korean immigrants

A correlational, cross-sectional study with multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors that influence the depression experience in 154 Korean immigrants. Based on the stress-health outcome framework, four variables (i.e., sense of mastery, socioeconomic status, social support, and acculturation) were tested for their mediating effects between stress and depression experienced by Korean Americans. Path analyses showed that the negative effect of life stress on depression was buffered by higher levels of sense of mastery and social support in the Korean sample. Implications for future cross-cultural depression research and preventive strategies against depression in immigrant populations are discussed.