title: The influence of acculturation on mental health and specialized mental healthcare for non-western migrants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The level of acculturation of migrants varies and is associated with variations in mental health. However, this association is complex and may differ among migrant groups.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to explore the association between acculturation, mental health and treatment effect.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a longitudinal cohort study of patients treated in specialized mental health facilities, different dimensions of acculturation (skills, social integration, traditions, norms/values and feelings of loss) were explored for Moroccan, Turkish and Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the associations between acculturation status and symptom levels, quality of life, care needs and effects of mental health treatment were examined. Data were analyzed with analysis of covariance, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acculturation status differed among migrant groups. Turkish migrants showed most original culture maintenance (traditions, norms/values), Surinamese migrants showed most participation in Dutch society (skills, social integration), while Moroccan migrants were situated in between. Higher cultural adaptation was associated with less need for care, lower symptom levels and a higher quality of life. Participation significantly predicted lower symptom levels (p < .001) and higher quality of life (p < .001) 6 months after the start of treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms that acculturation status is associated with symptom levels, quality of life and perceived need for care of migrants. Moreover, participation in Dutch society appears to be a favorable factor for treatment effect. It is of importance for professionals in clinical practice to be attentive to this.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands annelies.nap@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Annelies
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nap
authors.affiliation: Research Department, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Annelies
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van Loon
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jaap
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peen
authors.affiliation: Research Department, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Digna Jf
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: van Schaik
authors.affiliation: Research Department, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Aartjan Tf
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Beekman
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jack Jm
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dekker
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009018:Morocco / Q000208:ethnology; D009426:Netherlands; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013532:Suriname / Q000208:ethnology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey / Q000208:ethnology
keywords: Migrants; acculturation; mental health; treatment