British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume 188, Issue JUNE, 2006, Pages 560-566

Depression in Irish migrants living in London: Case-control study (Article) (Open Access)

Ryan L. , Leavey G. , Golden A. , Blizard R. , King M.*
  • a Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom
  • b Research and Development Department, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, St Ann's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
  • c Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom
  • d Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom
  • e Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom, Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: There is evidence that Irish migrants in Britain have higher rates of depression and suicide than other minority ethnic groups. Aims: To examine the association between poorly planned migration and depression in Irish-born people living in London. Method: A sample of 360 Irish-born people was recruited from 11 general practices into a case-control study. Participants were interviewed using standardised measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We calculated the odds ratio for any association between depression and eight questions on preparation for migration. Results: Poorly planned migration was associated with subsequent depression in Irish-born people living in London (OR=1.20,95% CI 1.06-1.35). The odds of depression were increased by a factor of 20% for each additional negative answer to eight questions on preparation for migration. Positive post-migration influences such as adequate social support protected some against depression. Conclusions: Depression in Irish-born people living in London is associated with poorly planned migration. However, this effect can be modified by experiences following migration.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

depression demography London human sex difference risk assessment middle aged controlled study Aged Depressive Disorder social support interview Humans Ireland male Beck Depression Inventory female Risk Factors Psychiatric Status Rating Scales questionnaire Article major clinical study adult migration Sex Factors United Kingdom Emigration and Immigration Case-Control Studies Transients and Migrants case control study
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33744943766&doi=10.1192%2fbjp.188.6.560&partnerID=40&md5=668f65bd8a2d0fc2eb64b3f002ba5b35
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.188.6.560
ISSN: 00071250
Cited by: 50
Original Language: English