Objective To describe the living conditions of migrant women and their correlation with the development of depression at the place of destination. Methods Ethnographic work developed in the city of New York, specifically in the Queens borough. Six first-generation immigrant women, part of the migratory circuit of Puebla-Nueva York, were included in this study. In-depth interviews, development of migratory trajectories and therapeutic itineraries were applied. Finally, interviews were conducted with relatives of the main informants to control biases or omissions. Results The relationship between violence and women’s mental health was identified. Violence occurred in various stages of their lives and spaces in which they lived and developed their daily living. The violence was accentuated by the hierarchical relationships in the domestic group and work space. Furthermore, economic crisis and family arrangements were detrimental factors. The family arrangements to get ahead and provide continuity to the family model despite migration were also related to the stress they lived in their homes. Discussion The living conditions of women and their influence on the development of mental illnesses were discussed regarding other studies that, from a public health perspective, have addressed the mental health and migration issues through acculturation and assimilation concepts. © 2017, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. All rights reserved.

Mental health Emigration and immigration gender and health

cultural anthropology depression human epidemiology violence Stress, Psychological mental stress ethnology Mexico Social Conditions interview social status migrant psychology New York Humans Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants female Socioeconomic Factors risk factor Risk Factors socioeconomics Family Relations family relation New York City sex factor Sex Factors Anthropology, Cultural