Correlates and Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Older Asian Immigrants in California

Abstract

Psychological distress occurs frequently in older minority immigrants because many have limited social resources and undergo a difficult process related to immigration and acculturation. Despite a rapid increase in the number of Asian immigrants, relatively little research has focused on subgroup mental health comparisons. This study examines the prevalence of psychological distress, and relationship with socio-demographic factors, and health care utilization among older Asian immigrants. Weighted data from Asian immigrants 65 and older from 5 countries (n = 1,028) who participated in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) were analyzed descriptively and in multiple linear regressions. The prevalence of psychological distress varied significantly across the 5 ethnic groups, from Filipinos (4.83%) to Chinese (1.64%). General health status, cognitive and physical impairment, and health care utilization are all associated (p < .05) with psychological distress in multiple linear regressions. These findings are similar to those from previous studies. The findings reinforce the need to develop more culturally effective mental health services and outreach programs.

Challenges and adjustments in maintaining health and well‐being of older Asian immigrants in New Zealand: An integrative review

“…This possibility has not been investigated comprehensively in New Zealand. In contrast, studies in Australia and the United States have examined the mental health of older Asian immigrants . In Australia, a survey of health professionals revealed their view that older Chinese immigrants’ experiences of anxiety and depression were associated with difficulties settling in .…”

“…In Australia, a survey of health professionals revealed their view that older Chinese immigrants’ experiences of anxiety and depression were associated with difficulties settling in . On the other hand, quantitative research has highlighted ethnic subgroup (ie Filipino vs Chinese) differences in the prevalence of psychological distress (Californian‐based older Asian immigrants) . Moreover, in Australia, other mental health concerns regarding older Chinese immigrants have been raised, such as heightened loneliness and poorer (self‐reported) levels of quality of life, compared to older Caucasians …”

Correlates of Psychological Distress Among Filipino Americans and Filipinos Living in Urban Areas in the United States and the Philippines

“…The optimal DT threshold depends on whether the tool is used in the clinical or research setting. Our team used a cut-off score of ≥ 4, which is recommended for research (Boyes et al, 2013;Chang & Moon, 2016). Independent Variables.…”

“…This issue’s generalizability is problematic due to a lack of well-grounded theoretical considerations. Contrary to widespread belief, PD is not a clinical diagnosis but a state of unpleasant feelings or emotions that impair a person’s ability to perform (Chang & Moon, 2016). Hence, it could be assumed that someone undergoing PD does not always display severe mental health issues.…”

What Social Work Educators and Practitioners Need to Know on Immigrants’ Health Care: a Systematic Review

“…Supportive relationships have been identified as a source of resilience for individuals' health conditions [55]. Prior research suggests that social work professionals work to strengthen immigrants' social support systems [10,16,49,[55][56][57][58][59], especially for single female immigrants [20,23] and older Asian immigrants [16,59,60]. Since many immigrants have a strong family-centered culture of care [61,62], it is recommended that health care practitioners work both with immigrant patients and their family members [52].…”