Healthy Debate: Major Depression among Older Immigrants and the United States 2016 Election.

TitleHealthy Debate: Major Depression among Older Immigrants and the United States 2016 Election.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsBergmans, RS, Kelly, KM, Wegryn-Jones, R
JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume24
Issue2
Pagination360-367
ISSN Number1557-1920
KeywordsForeign born, Gerontology, Health Disparities, Psychiatric epidemiology, Social Environment
Abstract

This study investigated whether anti-immigrant sentiment leading up to the 2016 election increased risk of major depression among older U.S. immigrants. Drawing data from the Health and Retirement Study, we tested whether there was a disproportionate increase in major depression among U.S. immigrants than non-immigrants from 2014 to 2016 using a Difference in Difference approach. Older immigrants had a higher relative change in major depression from 2014 to 2016 than non-immigrants (RRR 1.35; 95% CI 1.06, 1.73). This relationship was driven by associations among those who are White (RRR 2.07; 95% CI 1.26, 3.41) or Hispanic (RRR 1.55; 95% CI 0.99, 2.40). Anti-immigrant sentiment leading up to the 2016 election was associated with an increase in major depression among older U.S. immigrants. Findings may help identify high-risk groups in future election years and inform treatment strategies for major depression that consider the influence of sociopolitical factors.

DOI10.1007/s10903-021-01217-4
Citation Key11661
PubMed ID34052978
PubMed Central IDPMC8892688
Grant ListT32-MH73553 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
NHGRI T32-HG00040 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States