Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of macro-level factors on immigrant and non-immigrant women’s mental
health status in a Canadian context. This study was part of a larger study examining women’s quality of life in south eastern
Ontario. Using survey research methods, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 91 women of whom 66 identified
their country of origin as “other” than Canada. Descriptive, bivariate and regression analysis of this data revealed that
immigrant and non-immigrant women’s macro-level predictors of mental health status vary. Overall, for immigrant women’s perceptions
of neighbourhood social cohesion was a stronger predictor influencing mental health status, while for non-immigrant women
social support was more influential. Research with larger, representative samples should explore the findings to ascertain
generalizability.
health status in a Canadian context. This study was part of a larger study examining women’s quality of life in south eastern
Ontario. Using survey research methods, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 91 women of whom 66 identified
their country of origin as “other” than Canada. Descriptive, bivariate and regression analysis of this data revealed that
immigrant and non-immigrant women’s macro-level predictors of mental health status vary. Overall, for immigrant women’s perceptions
of neighbourhood social cohesion was a stronger predictor influencing mental health status, while for non-immigrant women
social support was more influential. Research with larger, representative samples should explore the findings to ascertain
generalizability.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9567-1
- Authors
- Shahid Alvi, Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 55 Bond Street, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A5, Canada
- Arshia Zaidi, Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 55 Bond Street, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A5, Canada
- Nawal Ammar, Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 55 Bond Street, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A5, Canada
- Lisa Culbert, Social Science and Humanities, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 55 Bond Street, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A5, Canada
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912