Depression in Irish migrants living in London: case-control study.
BACKGROUND
There is evidence that Irish migrants in Britain have higher rates of depression and suicide than other minority ethnic groups.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between poorly planned migration and depression in Irish-born people living in London.


METHODS
A sample of 360 Irish-born people was recruited from 11 general practices into a case-control study. Participants were interviewed using standardised measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We calculated the odds ratio for any association between depression and eight questions on preparation for migration.


RESULTS
Poorly planned migration was associated with subsequent depression in Irish-born people living in London (OR=1.20, 95% CI1.06-1.35). The odds of depression were increased by a factor of 20% for each additional negative answer to eight questions on preparation for migration. Positive post-migration influences such as adequate social support protected some against depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Depression in Irish-born people living in London is associated with poorly planned migration. However, this effect can be modified by experiences following migration.
Ryan
Louise
L
Department of Mental Health Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
Leavey
Gerard
G
Golden
Anne
A
Blizard
Robert
R
King
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000208:ethnology; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000523:psychology*