Acculturation and depression symptoms of aging South Asian immigrants in Canada

Daniel Wing Leung Lai, Shireen Surood

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

Despite the fact that South Asians are the fastest growing visible minority group in Canada, there is a lack of research on their mental health status, particularly on the aging adults. Acculturation or factors related to acculturation are often considered as a predictor of mental health among aging immigrants. This study examines the effects of various acculturation variables on depressive symptoms, based on data obtained from 210 randomly selected aging South Asians, 55 years or older in Calgary. Hierarchical logistic regression analy- sis was used to determine the effects of socio-demographic and acculturation-related factors on depression. Depression was measured by a 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. The findings indicate that 21.4% of the participants were found to be depressive. When controlled for other confounding socio-demographic variables, older South Asians who were attached to traditional health beliefs were more likely to be depressive. In addition, being a female, having a post-secondary and higher education level, being less financially adequate, having a lower level of social support, and being Muslim also predicted a higher likelihood for one to be depressed. Prevention and intervention are need- ed to address cultural compatibility of health service delivery for the aging South Asians.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 3 Nov 2007
Eventthe 36th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of Canadian Association on Gerontology - Hyatt Regency, Calgary, Canada
Duration: 1 Nov 20073 Nov 2007
https://cagacg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Final_CAG_Conference_Program_2007_English.pdf (Conference program)

Conference

Conferencethe 36th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of Canadian Association on Gerontology
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityCalgary
Period1/11/073/11/07
Internet address

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