Journal of Applied Gerontology
Volume 23, Issue 4, 2004, Pages 370-384

Differences in the structure of depression among older Asian Indian immigrants in the United States (Review)

Diwan S.* , Jonnalagadda S.S. , Gupta R.
  • a University of Chicago, United States, Sch. of Social Serv. Administration, University of Chicago, 969 East 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, United States, Ctr. for Hlth. Admin. Studies, Sch. of Social Serv. Administration, University of Chicago, United States
  • b Georgia State University, United States, Novartis Medical Nutrition, St. Louis Park, MN, United States
  • c Tarrant County College, North West Campus, United States, Tarrant County College, North West Campus, Fort Worth, TX, United States, India Association of North Texas, United States

Abstract

This study examines the validity of the short form (eight items) Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), as a screening tool for mental health problems among older immigrants who are minorities. The factor structure of the CES-D is examined empirically using two samples of older Asian Indian immigrants in the United States: the first sample of 226 English speakers, and the second sample of 114 Gujarati speakers residing in Atlanta, Georgia. The CES-D, administered via telephone interviews, showed high internal consistency. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for the English speaking sample showed two factors indicating positive and negative affect, whereas the Gujarati-speaking sample yielded a unidimensional factor where depression was not differentiated, suggesting that depression may be conceptualized and manifested differently among diverse groups of older immigrants. Culturally competent practice with older adults should include an awareness of these within-group differences and their implications for practice in diverse groups of older immigrants.

Author Keywords

Depression immigrants Emotion Acculturation

Index Keywords

depression immigrant Review language demography scoring system screening interview Indian United States human health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-8144229602&doi=10.1177%2f0733464804270584&partnerID=40&md5=13dc68bdaf329443209b91cb1eaf329e
DOI: 10.1177/0733464804270584
ISSN: 07334648
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English