Objectives: To determine whether there is a relationship between source-country individualism and depression among different immigrant groups. Methods: Pooled data from the 2009–2014 waves of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used. The CCHS is a cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey. A sample of 4347 immigrants in Canada were studied, representing 101 source countries. Results: Multi-level logistic regression analysis showed a curvilinear relationship between source-country individualism and depression. A positive relationship was found among immigrants from countries with mid- to high levels of individualism. However, an inverse relationship was observed among immigrants from countries with low to mid-levels of individualism. Depression was significantly associated with the linear form of the source-country individualism measure [odds ratio (OR) 0.950; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.915–0.987] and its squared term (OR 1.063; 95% CI 1.026–1.102). Conclusions: A high level of source-country individualism tends to increase the prevalence of depression among immigrants. There is also a cultural shock effect: the prevalence of depression was stronger in the initial years after immigration for those who migrated from countries with low levels of individualism. © 2019, Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+).

culture immigrants Depression Mental health individualism

depression human middle aged statistics and numerical data Depressive Disorder Health Surveys Cross-Sectional Studies Surveys and Questionnaires cross-sectional study migrant psychology geography Humans male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants female individuality questionnaire prevalence adult health survey