Correlates and Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Older Asian Immigrants in California

(Secondary Data)

 

Oral paper

 

 

Background: Psychological distress occurs frequently in older minority immigrants because many have limited social resources and undergo a difficult process related to immigration and acculturation. Considering the increase in the number of Asian immigrants, along with the earlier immigrants who are now entering into their older adult years, there is a growing need for more information about the factors and predictor of psychological distress among older Asian immigrants. Therefore, this study aims to examine the prevalence of psychological distress in a sample of five older Asian immigrant groups, and to identify acculturation and health related factors associated with psychological distress.

Methods: This study utilizes data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS: CHIS Public Use Files), a population-based random -digital telephone survey of California’s non-institutionalized adult population, by the Center for Health Policy Research at UCLA between June, 2012 and January, 2013. (N=42,935), using a multistage sampling design. CHIS use a probability sampling method in an attempt to accurately represent the population in California.  Data are analyzed from older Asian immigrants 65years and older (n=1028) who participated in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Using weighted data, descriptive analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. The ages of respondents ranged from 65 to 85 years old (mean=74 years).

Results: The prevalence of psychological distress was significantly different across the five ethnic groups, with Filipinos having the highest prevalence of psychological distress (4.83%) and the Chinese having the lowest prevalence (1.64%). General health status, cognitive and physical limitations, and health care utilization are associated with the prevalence of psychological distress in multiple linear regression (all p<0.05). Bivariate associations show that a higher prevalence of psychological distress is related to socio-demographic factors and health status. These findings are similar to previous studies on Asian immigrants and psychological distress.

Implications: In particular, ethnicity was a significant relationship with psychological distress. The study findings emphasize the importance of understanding the unique cultural backgrounds of each Asian subgroup in explaining their immigration-related characteristics and their views on mental health. This study demonstrates the need for developing more culturally effective mental health services and outreach programs to increase mental health service utilization among older Asian immigrants in the United States. Without a thorough understanding of Asian family culture, practitioners will not be able to provide effective treatment. To extensively use community services, cultural attitude and beliefs about mental health must be considered in the analysis of service utilization.