Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
2019

Assessing Predictors of Emotional Distress by Immigrant Type: An Exploration of Adult Refugees, Asylees, and SIV Holders in Maryland (Article)

Mahmood A.A.* , Shah D.D. , Michlig G.J. , Hughes M.E. , Bass J.K.
  • a Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • b Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • c Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • d Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • e Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Stressors and trauma experienced by persons fleeing harm or persecution can cause elevated distress. This study assessed predictors of elevated distress among newly arrived refugees, asylees, and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders in Maryland. A secondary analysis of Refugee Health Screener-15 data from 4385 refugees, asylees, and SIV holders arriving in Maryland from 2014 to 2017 was conducted. Mean scores were compared across immigrant groups, and positive screening predictors were identified using logistic regression. Mean scores were highest among SIV holders and lowest among asylees. Compared to refugees, SIV holders had greater odds of screening positive; significance was reduced after adjusting for covariates. A significant interaction term was found for SIV women, who had 1.74 greater odds than SIV males. Distress varied between immigrant groups, with asylees having lowest odds of screening positive. SIV women’s significant results may owe to acculturation distress, disrupted gender expectations, and resettlement difficulties. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Author Keywords

Emotional distress Women Refugees Asylees SIV holders

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85069651059&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-019-00917-2&partnerID=40&md5=531ca4ba51e57cfebadc3da59b4badad
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00917-2
ISSN: 15571912
Original Language: English