Title | Healthy Debate: Major Depression among Older Immigrants and the United States 2016 Election. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Bergmans, RS, Kelly, KM, Wegryn-Jones, R |
Journal | Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 360-367 |
ISSN Number | 1557-1920 |
Keywords | Foreign 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. |
DOI | 10.1007/s10903-021-01217-4 |
Citation Key | 11661 |
PubMed ID | 34052978 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC8892688 |
Grant List | T32-MH73553 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States NHGRI T32-HG00040 / HG / NHGRI NIH HHS / United States |