Psychotherapeut
Volume 57, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 29-35

Migrants in socioeconomically deprived areas of Berlin: Psychological distress and substance use [Migranten in sozial schwachen Stadtteilen von Berlin: Psychische Symptome und Substanzkonsum] (Article)

Mundt A.P. , Aichberger M.C. , Kliewe T. , Yayla S. , Ignatyev Y. , Mir J. , Schouler-Ocak M. , Busch M. , Heimann H. , Rapp M. , Heinz A. , Ströhle A.
  • a Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • b Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • c Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • d Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • e Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • f Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • g Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • h Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsberichterstattung, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
  • i Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
  • j Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
  • k Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
  • l Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare psychological distress and substance use between migrant and non-migrant populations in a socially deprived area of Berlin. Methods: A population-based random sample stratified for age (18-57 years) and gender (50% female) was retrieved from the registration office. A total of 143 persons were included in the study. The participation rate was 48. 5% when contact was established. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) with its four subscales, somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Substance use was quantified using the Alcohol Use Identification Disorder Test (AUDIT) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Results: Of the study population 51. 3% were first or second generation migrants and lived more often in single households. Migrants had lower educational levels and lower employment rates. The mean scores of migrants and non-migrants did not differ on any of the subscales somatic symptoms, anxiety/depression, social dysfunction or severe depression of the GHQ-28. Non-migrants showed significantly higher risks regarding alcohol use. Discussion: The present study did not reveal any differences regarding symptom profiles in the spectrum of anxiety and depression between non-migrants and migrants who lived in a socially deprived area. Migrants may compensate higher social risk profiles with lower risks regarding alcohol use. Larger samples have to inform on possible differences regarding smoking and other substances. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Author Keywords

Socioeconomic status General Health Questionnaire Alcohol drinking Mental health smoking

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84856159275&doi=10.1007%2fs00278-011-0880-x&partnerID=40&md5=ff70d2009a37e298bf96a23b622e4102
DOI: 10.1007/s00278-011-0880-x
ISSN: 09356185
Cited by: 4
Original Language: German; English