Social Science and Medicine
Volume 22, Issue 6, 1986, Pages 645-652

Depressive symptoms and their correlates among immigrant Mexican women in the United States (Article)

Vega W.A.* , Kolody B. , Valle R. , Hough R.
  • a San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
  • b San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
  • c San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
  • d San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States

Abstract

Correlates of depressive symptomatology and caseness are examined for a survey sample of N = 1825 poor Mexican immigrant women in San Diego County, California. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) checklist is tested against a variety of demographic variables as well as health status and service utilization rates. Statistically significant associations were found between CES-D and education, years in the United States, income, marital status and number of adults in household. Also significant were associations with health status, confidant support and recent, traumatic life event. Utilization rates point to medical doctors as the major source of formal treatment and a heavy reliance on family and friends. The implications of the high disorder rates for diagnosis and treatment among immigrants are discussed. © 1986.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

depression immigrant educational status psychological aspect human epidemiology sex difference middle aged economic aspect social aspect social support Mexico Hispanic Americans marriage United States income Humans female stress socioeconomics health services Health Status Indicators adult ethnic or racial aspects Emigration and Immigration nervous system sex
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0022578925&doi=10.1016%2f0277-9536%2886%2990037-7&partnerID=40&md5=26a54edd2b69c5569d66cdbd9b2d80e3
DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(86)90037-7
ISSN: 02779536
Cited by: 132
Original Language: English