Abstract
The association between social support and mental health across immigrant groups were examined in this study. A population-based
sample was extracted from a 2009/10 Canadian community health survey. Self-reported mood or anxiety disorders and a standardized
social support scale were used as outcome and explanatory variables. The association between these variables was measured
using logistic regression controlling for sex, age, marital status, education, self-rated health and perceived stress. Stratified
analyses were performed to test if the strength of association differed by immigrant status. In comparison with individuals
who had moderate levels of social support, individuals with low social support had higher odds of reporting mental disorders
and this association appeared strongest among recent immigrants. Using the same comparison group, individuals with high social
support had lower odds of reporting mental disorders and this association appeared stronger among long-term immigrants. Findings
were discussed within the context of immigration stress and acculturation strategies.
sample was extracted from a 2009/10 Canadian community health survey. Self-reported mood or anxiety disorders and a standardized
social support scale were used as outcome and explanatory variables. The association between these variables was measured
using logistic regression controlling for sex, age, marital status, education, self-rated health and perceived stress. Stratified
analyses were performed to test if the strength of association differed by immigrant status. In comparison with individuals
who had moderate levels of social support, individuals with low social support had higher odds of reporting mental disorders
and this association appeared strongest among recent immigrants. Using the same comparison group, individuals with high social
support had lower odds of reporting mental disorders and this association appeared stronger among long-term immigrants. Findings
were discussed within the context of immigration stress and acculturation strategies.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9658-7
- Authors
- Joseph H. Puyat, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912