Mental health status of Iranian migrants in Sydney.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the levels and predictors of psychological distress within the Iranian community in Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
Participants (n = 161) were identified using snowball sampling, and a questionnaire incorporating the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20) and other migration-related factors was mailed to their preferred address.


RESULTS
A relatively high proportion of respondents (37%) had GHQ-20 scores above the recommended threshold (4+). Students were significantly more likely to report psychological distress compared with respondents who worked full-time. A feeling that migration had contributed to their distress was also found to be significantly associated with above-threshold GHQ-20 scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Iranian migrants in Sydney may need mental health programs to address migration-related distress.
Khavarpour
F
F
Center for Indigenous Health Studies, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New York Wales, Australia.
Rissel
C
C
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology