Stress and depressive symptoms in Latin Americans in Toronto

Abstract

Purpose -The paper's aim is to determine whether the SAFE (acculturative stress), PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms) and MSPSS (individual social resources) scales are considered acceptable measures to be used in the Spanish-speaking Latin American immigrant population in Toronto.Design/methodology/approach -The PHQ9, MSPSS and SAFE were completed by a group of ten Spanish-speaking Latin Americans recruited through an organization that offers services to immigrants in Toronto. The need for clarification of questions was noted as well as the comments that respondents made to the process.Findings -Participants felt comfortable responding the questionnaire. There was little duplication when the three scales were used together. The average time to complete the survey was 21 minutes.Originality/value -There has been no community based quantitative study of mental health in the Spanish-speaking community in Toronto that has used the SAFE (acculturative stress), PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms) and MSPSS (individual social resources) scales. This pilot study tested the suitability of these scales with this population. The PHQ9, SAFE and MSPSS are acceptable scales to be used in surveys in the Spanish-speaking Latin American population in Toronto.