The relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among young Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the associations between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adolescents and young adults living in the Netherlands.


METHODS
We analysed cross-sectional data from a sample of 199 Turkish-Dutch and 153 Moroccan-Dutch respondents, aged 15-24 years, using multiple logistic regression analyses. Discrimination was measured on group level and personal level. Depression was measured by the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D).


RESULTS
Respondents that experienced perceived discrimination on a personal level were more likely than those that experienced no perceived discrimination to have depression (OR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.59-6.47). This association was larger for the Moroccan-Dutch (OR = 5.32, 95% CI = 1.75-16.16) compared with the Turkish-Dutch (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.03-7.40). Analysis of separate group level discrimination items, measuring different domains, revealed an association between discrimination on school and depression for the Moroccan-Dutch (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.16-6.78).


CONCLUSIONS
Personal level perceived discrimination is associated with depressive symptoms among young minority group members with a Turkish or Moroccan cultural background. This indicates that discrimination is an important factor that should be taken into account in developing public health policies.
van Dijk
Tobias K
TK
Department of Epidemiology, Documentation, and Health Promotion, Municipal Health Service Amsterdam (GGD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. tvdijk@ggd.amsterdam.nl
Agyemang
Charles
C
de Wit
Matty
M
Hosper
Karen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009018:Morocco / Q000208:ethnology; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011287:Prejudice; D015995:Prevalence; D014421:Turkey / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult