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Factors Associated with Depression Among Immigrants in the U.S.

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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Migrants come to the United States from communities affected by war, conflict, or economic crisis. They are vulnerable to poor physical and mental health. To assess the prevalence of depression and related risk factors amongst immigrants in the United States. Data from the 2017 National Health Interview Surveys was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. Of the 77,842 individuals aged 18 years and above who participated in the survey, 4676 (6.0%) were immigrants. Prevalence of depression among immigrants was 1.1% compared to 0.9% for U.S citizens. Being an immigrant reduced the odds of depression by 18%; [OR 0.82 (C.I) of 0.60–1.12]. However, males were more likely than females to be depressed [OR 1.20 (1.02–1.41). This study revealed that the prevalence of depression is low among immigrants. This underscores the need for more studies to understand why this population is doing better despite the stressful physical conditions they experience.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Master of Public Health Program, School of Health Sciences, Central Michigan University, 1280 E Campus Dr., Mount Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA

    A. I. Okonji, J. N. Inungu, T. M. Akinmoladun, M. L. Kushion & L. Aduse-Poku

Authors
  1. A. I. Okonji
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  2. J. N. Inungu
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  3. T. M. Akinmoladun
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  4. M. L. Kushion
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  5. L. Aduse-Poku
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Contributions

The paucity of data reporting the prevalence of depression among immigrant population in the U.S., using nationally representative samples and comparing to U.S born natives necessitated this research. In addition to showing that when assessing mental health in first-generation immigrants, depression as a health indicator does not change with increased length of stay in the U.S, findings from this study also revealed that gender-sensitive assessment strategies is beneficial in diagnosis of depression in males and thus revealing the increased odds for depression in this group.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. I. Okonji.

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Conflict of interest

The authors whose names are listed above declare that they have no conflict of interest. They certify that they have NO associations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Ethical Approval

This is an observational study. Data analyzed is deidentified and publicly available on the NHIS website [30]. The Central Michigan University’s IRB ethics committee has confirmed that no ethical approval is required.

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Okonji, A.I., Inungu, J.N., Akinmoladun, T.M. et al. Factors Associated with Depression Among Immigrants in the U.S.. J Immigrant Minority Health 23, 415–424 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01141-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01141-7

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