Families, Systems and Health
Volume 24, Issue 2, 2006, Pages 137-146

Gender differences in anxiety and depression among immigrant Latinos (Article)

Hiott A.* , Grzywacz J.G. , Arcury T.A. , Quandt S.A.
  • a Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1084, United States
  • b Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
  • c Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
  • d Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States

Abstract

This study determines elements of a social history that could assist primary care providers in identifying and treating anxiety and depression among immigrant Mexicans. Cross-sectional data were obtained through interviewer-administered survey questionnaires from immigrant Latinos in the United States fewer than 5 years (N = 150). Interviews were conducted by native Spanish-speakers in community settings. Mental health was measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Mental health in this sample was poor with nearly 40% indicating levels of anxiety and depression that may impair functioning. Social marginalization was associated with higher depression symptoms in men, and separation from family stress was associated with more depressive symptoms among women. When caring for immigrant Latinos, questions about social isolation and separation from family may provide insight into stress and its contribution to clinically significant anxiety and depression. These characteristics should also be considered when offering a treatment plan for anxiety and depression. Copyright 2006 by the American Psychological Association.

Author Keywords

Latino Gender differences psychosocial stressors immigrant mental health Social history

Index Keywords

immigrant depression primary medical care anxiety disorder sampling mental health human social isolation sex difference mental stress social interaction Hispanic male female personality test cultural factor Article major clinical study adult separation anxiety
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33747379515&doi=10.1037%2f1091-7527.24.2.137&partnerID=40&md5=03426d9b1a36449ed6042f52046cfe37
DOI: 10.1037/1091-7527.24.2.137
ISSN: 10917527
Cited by: 77
Original Language: English