Depression and Antidepressant Use Among Asian and Hispanic Adults: Association with Immigrant Generation and Language Use

Citation

Chen, Ping; Hussey, Jon M.; & Monbureau, Timothy O. (2018). Depression and Antidepressant Use Among Asian and Hispanic Adults: Association with Immigrant Generation and Language Use. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. vol. 20 (3) pp. 619-631

Abstract

This research investigates the psychological well-being and usage of medical treatments by Asian and Hispanic immigrant descendants. Using data from all four waves of Add Health study, this paper focuses on two outcomes: (1) depression and (2) levels of antidepressant use by race/ethnicity, immigrant generation, and linguistic acculturation levels during adulthood. Findings reveal that depression is prevalent among Mexican Americans, other Hispanics, and Asian Americans. Furthermore, Mexican Americans and Asian Americans have reported a lower level of antidepressant use than whites, with Asian Americans attaining the lowest level when immigrant generation, language acculturation levels, and other socioeconomic factors are held constant. We also find that those who are linguistically less acculturated have much lower levels of antidepressant use than their monolingual English-speaking counterparts.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-017-0597-1

Keyword(s)

Antidepressant use Asian and Hispanics Depression Immigrant generation Language acculturation

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Author(s)

Chen, Ping
Hussey, Jon M.
Monbureau, Timothy O.

Year Published

2018

Volume Number

20

Issue Number

3

Pages

619-631

Edition

May 26, 2017

ISSN/ISBN

1557-1912

DOI

10.1007/s10903-017-0597-1

Reference ID

6851