Journal Article

Associations of Discrimination, Low Social Support, and Limited English Proficiency with Depression in South Asian Immigrants

Roy, Shireen, Kanaya, Alka M, Kandula, Namratha R, Hassan, Saria, Desai, Mayur M

2023

Overview

South Asians face stressors as a growing immigrant group in America. Work is needed to understand how these stressors impact mental health to identify those at risk of depression and design interventions. This study examined associations of three stressors (discrimination, low social support, limited English proficiency) with depressive symptoms in South Asians. Using cross-sectional data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (N = 887), we fit logistic regression models to evaluate independent/joint effects of three stressors on depression. Overall prevalence of depression was 14.8%; 69.2% of those with all three stressors had depression. The combined effect of high discrimination/low social support was significantly greater than the sum of the individual factors. Experiences of discrimination, low social support, or limited English proficiency, as well as a combination of these factors, should be considered when diagnosing/treating South Asian immigrants in a culturally appropriate manner.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Acculturation / Arteriosclerosis / Asian Americans / Asian cultural groups / Atherosclerosis / Chronic Illness / Competence / Cultural competence / Depression (Psychology) / Discrimination / Family Income / Immigrants / Language proficiency / Likert Scales / Limited English proficiency / Limited English Speaking / Mental depression / Mental health / Non-English speakers / Outcome Measures / Outcomes of Treatment / Public Health / Regression analysis / Regression models / Religion / Social interactions / Social skills / Social support / South Asian cultural groups / Stress