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Factors Associated with Depression Among Mexican Americans Living in U.S.–Mexico Border and Non-Border Areas

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Abstract

Factors associated with CES-D depression among Mexican Americans living on and off the U.S.–Mexico border are examined. Data are from two studies of Mexican American adults. The Border Survey conducted face-to-face interviews in urban U.S.–Mexico border counties of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (N = 1307). The non-border HABLAS survey conducted face-to-face interviews in Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami (N = 1288). Both surveys used a multistage cluster sample design with response rates of 67 and 76 %, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that border residence and higher perceived neighborhood collective efficacy were protective for depression among men. Among men, lower education, unemployment, increased weekly drinking, and poor health status were associated with depression. Among women, alcohol-related problems and poorer health status were also associated with depression. Further examinations of how neighborhood perceptions vary by gender and how these perceptions influence the likelihood of depression are warranted.

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Acknowledgments

Preparation of this article was supported by grants (RO1-AA013642 and RO1-AA016827) from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to the Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, USA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Prevention Research Center, 180 Grand Avenue, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA, 94612-3749, USA

    Patrice A. C. Vaeth & Raul Caetano

  2. University of Texas School of Public Health, Dallas Regional Campus, Dallas, TX, USA

    Britain A. Mills

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  1. Patrice A. C. Vaeth
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  2. Raul Caetano
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  3. Britain A. Mills
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Correspondence to Patrice A. C. Vaeth.

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Vaeth, P.A.C., Caetano, R. & Mills, B.A. Factors Associated with Depression Among Mexican Americans Living in U.S.–Mexico Border and Non-Border Areas. J Immigrant Minority Health 18, 718–727 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0236-7

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