Parental health-related quality of life, depression and stress among low-income immigrants

Abstract

Purpose Little is known about low-income immigrant parents’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with their parenting. The purpose of this paper is to examine low-income immigrant parents’ HRQoL, depression and stress. Design/methodology/approach In the spring of 2015, English speaking and Spanish speaking low-income uninsured immigrant parents utilizing a free clinic (N=182) completed a self-administered survey using standardized measures of parental HRQoL, stress and depression. Findings Immigrant parents’ HRQoL related to parenting was lower than general primary care patients. Higher levels of depression and stress were associated with lower levels of parental HRQoL and family functioning. Spanish speakers were significantly more likely to worry about their child’s health or future compared to English speakers. Originality/value While both English and Spanish speaking immigrant parents may need assistance addressing the health-related needs of their child, Spanish speakers may be a target audience for outreach programs. It is possible that by improving the health of their child, immigrant parents may see improvement in their own HRQoL and reductions in their levels of stress and depression. Future research should develop parenting classes for low-income immigrant parents targeting the potential health needs of their children, and assess the efficacy of the classes in improving child health and parental HRQoL.

Household environmental safety and perceived stress among uninsured free clinic patients

“…Stressors among free clinic patients have been examined concerning parenting stress and substance use (Kamimura et al, 2018;Kamimura et al, 2017). However, the impact of environmental factors on stress among free clinic patients has not yet been examined.…”

Stress Management Classes for Uninsured Free Clinic Patients in the United States

“…Higher levels of perceived stress are associated with higher levels of depression, alcohol consumption and smoking among free clinic patients. Among foreign born free clinic patients, parenting is one of the significant stressors [10][11][12]. While stress among free clinic patients is an important issues to address, to the best of our knowledge, there are no previous studies that have examined intervention programs on stress management specifically at free clinics.…”