The American Journal of Medicine
Volume 78, Issue 1, 1985, Pages 41-44

Depression among vietnamese refugees in a primary care clinic (Article)

Lin E.H.-B.* , Ihle L.J. , Tazuma L.
  • a Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, International District Community Health Center, Seattle, WA, United States
  • b Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, International District Community Health Center, Seattle, WA, United States
  • c Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, International District Community Health Center, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Refugees are at high risk for mental disorders and manifest cultural Influences in their health behavior. The Vietnamese Depression Scale was administered to Vietnamese patients at a community clinic to assess the underlying prevalence of depression. The rate of accurate diagnosis and the manifestations of depression were also examined. A high prevalence of depression (52 percent) and a high level of underdlagnosis (56 percent) by primary care physicians were found. Ninety-five percent of these patients presented with physical symptoms. Compared with patients who had negative depression scores, those who had positive depression scores were more likely to be older and sought care at the clinic more frequently. These findings underscore the Importance of depression as an urgent health problem among Vietnamese refugees In primary care. Accuracy In diagnosis can be improved by using the Vietnamese Depression Scale and constitutes the first step toward effective treatment. © 1985.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

general practice Vietnam central nervous system depression psychological aspect human Refugees priority journal health status geographic distribution Washington male female Psychiatric Status Rating Scales Ambulatory Care Facilities clinical article diagnosis adult Age Factors ethnic or racial aspects Diagnostic Errors
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0021940238&doi=10.1016%2f0002-9343%2885%2990459-0&partnerID=40&md5=9e9d745d2a0a0efdb9e0eefff9df2626
DOI: 10.1016/0002-9343(85)90459-0
ISSN: 00029343
Cited by: 32
Original Language: English