Aim: There is a lack of data on the psychological health status of people migrating from different countries and the possible impact of premigration traumatic events. The aim of this study is to examine the association between psychological distress among five immigrant groups living in Oslo and premigration traumatic events such as war experience, imprisonment, and torture due to political persecution. Method: The Oslo immigrant study, a cross-sectional survey with self-administered questionnaires was conducted among 3,019 adult immigrants from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam living in Oslo in 2002. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist was used to measure psychological distress. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, experience of traumatic life events, and integration in Norwegian society were collected. Results: We find major differences in prevalence of psychological distress between the different immigrant groups. Turkish immigrants reported the highest and Sri-Lankan the lowest prevalence of distress. Experience of torture and imprisonment due to political reasons are the preimmigration traumatic events most strongly associated with psychological distress among all five immigrant groups. Postmigration variables, except employment status, were not associated with psychological distress. The adjusted odd ratios for the association between psychological distress and experience of war, imprisonment for political reason, and experience of torture were strongest for immigrants from Pakistan and weakest for immigrants from Vietnam. The odds ratios changed only slightly after adjustment for postmigratory factors. Conclusion: Tortured and political victims and unemployed migrants should be targeted in promoting psychological health and preventing distress among immigrants in Norway. © 2010 M.E. Sharpe, Inc. All rights reserved.

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