Anxiety Disorders among US Immigrants: The Role of Immigrant Background and Social-Psychological Factors

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2017 Apr;38(4):317-326. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1287790. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Abstract

This study used the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a longitudinal adult sample, to estimate the rates of prevalent, acquired, and persisting anxiety disorders by nativity and racial-ethnic origin while adjusting for acculturation, stress, social ties, and sociodemographics. Prevalent and acquired anxiety disorders were less likely among foreign-born than US-born, except Puerto-Rican- and Mexican-born who had higher risks. Persisting cases were similar between foreign-born and US-born, except Asian/Pacific Islanders who had lower risk. Stress and preference for socializing outside one's racial-ethnic group were associated with higher while close ties were associated with lower rates of acquired/persisting anxiety disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / ethnology
  • Anxiety Disorders / nursing*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / statistics & numerical data*
  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Groups / ethnology
  • Population Groups / psychology
  • Population Groups / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Sociological Factors*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult