Depression and anxiety in elderly immigrants in Germany

Background: The association between migration and mental health remains unclear. To ensure an adequate health care of migrants, differentiated information on the association between migration and mental disorders is necessary. Method: Cross-sectional study on depression and anxiety symptoms of people migrated to Germany from Turkey, Italy, and Spain as well as ethnic Germans repatriated from the states of the former Soviet Union (n=435). Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire scales offered both in German and native language. Questionnaires were distributed by non-health-specific counselling agencies from welfare associations and migrants’ self-organisations. Results: High rates of anxiety (23.0%) as well as depression (15.8%) were found. The Turkish migrants reported the highest level of symptoms, while the Spanish migrants the lowest. Logistic regression analyses showed that retired migrants with lower school qualifications and who report lower subjective wellbeing in Germany have a higher probability of suffering from anxiety or depression. Severity of depressive symptoms varied across cultures, showing the highest likelihood of symptoms for the Turkish migrants. Conclusion: Our results suggest that migrants in Germany have a high risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. Cultural background is an independent predictor for depression but not for anxiety. Correspondence to: Isaac Bermejo, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Head of Supervision and Coaching Service for Employees Hartmannstraße 1 • 79106 Freiburg, Germany, Tel: +49 761 270-60181; Fax: +49 761 270-60182, Tel: +310 341-3143; Fax: 626-815-6000; E-mail: [email protected]