Prevalence and factors associated with PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms in Haitian migrants in southern Brazil

Alice E Brunnet, Laura T Bolaséll, João LA Weber and Christian H Kristensen

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2018, vol. 64, issue 1, 17-25

Abstract: Background: Prevalence rates of mental health disorders in migrants are controversial. The socio-historical and economic background of the host country may play an important role in the mental health status of migrants. As studies are mostly conducted in developed countries, researching migration in developing countries may add important information to scientific literature. Aims: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression symptoms in Haitian migrants in southern Brazil. Methods: The sample comprises 66 participants selected from four different sites in three cities of a Brazilian southern state. Participants fulfilled a sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as instruments investigate traumatic events; post-migration difficulties and symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Linear regression models were utilized to investigate factors associated with PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Results: PTSD prevalence in the sample was 9.1%. Depression and anxiety symptoms were in the clinical range of 10.6%–13.6% of participants, respectively. A number of traumatic events, acculturation difficulties, discrimination and low social support were associated with the investigated mental health disorders. Conclusion: The results point to the importance of public policies in promoting better social and mental health support for migrants. Providing information to the Brazilian population about migration may improve receptiveness in the host society.

Keywords: Immigrants; trauma; posttraumatic stress disorder; anxiety; depression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:64:y:2018:i:1:p:17-25

DOI: 10.1177/0020764017737802

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