Effects of time in the United States and Indian ethnicity on DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders among Mexican Americans in California.
The study examines the effects of time in the United States and Indian ethnicity on prevalence of 12 DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders among Mexican Americans in California. In Fresno County, primarily an agricultural area, 3012 participants of Mexican origin (18 to 59 years) were selected under a cluster sampling design and interviewed using a version of the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (WHO-CIDI). Lifetime prevalence of any psychiatric disorder was 46.4% for Indians and 32.9% for non-Indians. Alcohol dependence was the most prevalent disorder (Indians = 17.4%, non-Indians = 10.7%). Indians had significantly higher risk of affective disorders (adjusted OR = 2.9) and drug abuse/dependence (adjusted OR = 2.6) compared with non-Indians. Time in the United States was associated with higher risk of lifetime affective disorders and drug abuse/dependence. This effect was more pronounced among Indians. Mexican immigrants are ethnically heterogenous and Indians appear to be more vulnerable to negative effects of exposure to U.S. society.
Alderete
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School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy Administration, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Vega
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Kolody
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Aguilar-Gaxiola
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D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data