Depressive Symptom Severity and Immigration-Related Characteristics in Asian American Immigrants (original) (raw)

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

Psychiatry Research, 2013

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.

Depression and Its Psychosocial Correlates Among Older Asian Immigrants in North America

Journal of Aging and Health, 2008

Objectives: This article critically reviews two decades of empirically based depression studies on older Asian immigrants (OAIs) in North America published in English. The Psychosocial Model of Late-Life Depression is proposed as the conceptual roadmap to help interpret the findings across studies. Methods: Using multiple bibliographic databases, this review systematically summarized and evaluated findings in 24 studies in terms of: (a) the prevalence and severity of depression; (b) demographic, psychosocial, cultural, and health risk factors of depression; and (c) methodological approaches and designs. Results: The results showed that depression is prevalent among OAIs and is linked to gender, recency of immigration, English proficiency, acculturation, service barriers, health status, relationship with children and family, and social support. However, considerable variability in the results, the sample sizes, and the use of measurements were also found across studies. Discussion: Recommendations for future research and the provision of clinical and community services are discussed within the psychosocial model.

Depression and Its Psychosocial Correlates Among Older Asian Immigrants in North AmericaA Critical Review of Two Decades' Research

Journal of Aging and Health, 2008

Objectives: This article critically reviews two decades of empirically based depression studies on older Asian immigrants (OAIs) in North America published in English. The Psychosocial Model of Late-Life Depression is proposed as the conceptual roadmap to help interpret the findings across studies. Methods: Using multiple bibliographic databases, this review systematically summarized and evaluated findings in 24 studies in terms of: (a) the prevalence and severity of depression; (b) demographic, psychosocial, cultural, and health risk factors of depression; and (c) methodological approaches and designs. Results: The results showed that depression is prevalent among OAIs and is linked to gender, recency of immigration, English proficiency, acculturation, service barriers, health status, relationship with children and family, and social support. However, considerable variability in the results, the sample sizes, and the use of measurements were also found across studies. Discussion: Recommendations for future research and the provision of clinical and community services are discussed within the psychosocial model.

Factors Associated With Depression Experience of Immigrant Populations: A Study of Korean Immigrants

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2005

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. D

Immigration-Related Factors and Mental Disorders Among Asian Americans

American Journal of Public Health, 2007

Objectives. We examined lifetime and 12-month rates of any depressive, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders in a national sample of Asian Americans. We focused on factors related to nativity and immigration as possible correlates of mental disorders.

Immigration and Mental Disorders among Asian Americans

California Center For Population Research, 2007

Objectives. We examined lifetime and 12-month rates of any depressive, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders in a national sample of Asian Americans. We focused on factors related to nativity and immigration as possible correlates of mental disorders. Methods. Data were derived from the National Latino and Asian American Study, the first national epidemiological survey of Asian Americans in the United States. Results. The relationships between immigration-related factors and mental disorders were different for men and women. Among women, nativity was strongly associated with lifetime disorders, with immigrant women having lower rates of most disorders compared with US-born women. Conversely, English proficiency was associated with mental disorders for Asian men. Asian men who spoke English proficiently generally had lower rates of lifetime and 12-month disorders compared with nonproficient speakers. Conclusions. For Asian Americans, immigration-related factors were associated with mental disorders, but in different ways for men and women. Future studies will need to examine gender as an important factor in specifying the association between immigration and mental health.

Psychological Distress among Foreign Born Americans: A Comparison among White, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Americans

2014

This study examines race/ethnic and age differences in psychological distress among foreign born Americans. We used the 2009 California Health Survey Interview (CHIS) that consisted of 5,573 foreign born older individuals aged 18 to 85 including 2,623 White, 792 Chinese, 829 Korean, and 1,329 Vietnamese respondents. Regression analysis was used via Stata 12.1. The results revealed that foreign born Americans aged 64 and under consistently reported a higher level of psychological distress than older respondents aged 65 and over across the four selected racial/ethnic groups. Marital status, education, income, and employment status had significant relationship with psychological distress.The findings suggest that both race/ethnicity and age should be taken into consideration in the understanding of psychological distress among immigrants.

Depressive Symptoms in Asian Americans 3 A Symptom Profile Analysis of Depression in a Nationally

2012

Past research has suggested the existence of differences in depressive symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of depression among ethnic and racial groups. In particular, Asian Americans have been found to experience depression differently than European Americans. Using a symptom profile approach, the presentation of depressive symptoms was examined in a nationally representative sample of Asian Americans and compared to that of European Americans. This study used data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys, which include the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) and the National Comorbidity SurveyReplication (NCS-R). Depressive symptom profiles of Asian Americans and European Americans who reported depressive experiences were compared in order to analyze the phenomenology of depression in these groups. Findings suggested that Asian Americans reported somatic and affective depressive symptoms equally. When compared to European Americans though, they endorsed ...