Abstract
Depression among Eritrean immigrants in Oslo and surrounding areas: associated factors ABSTRACT Background Depressive disorders are among the most common mental health problems that contribute significantly to the global disease burden. In the present globalized world, increasing numbers of people are travelling to and settling in a different country than their countries of origin. Available evidence indicates that prevalence rates of a range of mental illnesses are different between immigrant populations including refugees, ethno cultural and racialized groups when compared with the native residents. The higher rates of depression among immigrant populations are often attributed to the immigrant’s predisposing background variables, including the level of education, socioeconomic status, pre-migration circumstances as well as reintegration process alongside biologically inherent risk factors. Objectives: To determine the prevalence rate of depression and examine the factors associated with depression among Eritrean immigrants living in Oslo and surrounding areas. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed among 243 Eritrean participants who lived in Oslo and the surrounding areas, who were recruited by convenient sampling technique. Out of the 243 participants in this study, 114 were females and 129 males. The mean and standard deviation of age among the participants were 35.7 ± 9.7. Participants were recruited through open invitation letters posted in the notice boards of frequently visited from Eritrean Shalom Pentecostal church, Eritrean Orthodox Church and Eritrean Women Union in Oslo. The sample of this study were Eritrean who were 18 and above years old, and those having a residence permit in Norway for at least one year were included in this study. Person-to person interviews administered in the local Tigrigna language by the principal investigator. Current and major depression (12 months) was measured by MDI (major depression inventory) instrument. In addition, current depression was measured by center for epidemiological studies depression scale (CES-D). Other instruments used were PTSD checklist- civilian version (PCL-C) to assess PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), life events checklist (LEC) to assess traumatizing events that have occurred in Lifetime and CAGE were used asses alcohol problems. Additionally, demographic details and pro forma were used to assess perceived discrimination and acculturation. Descriptive analysis and binary regression analysis (bivariate and multivariate analysis) were used to analyze the data in SPSS 24 software. Independent T-test was used to determine the p-value of continuous variable while chi-square or Fishers extract test where used to determine in categorical variables. Result: From this study, the prevalence of 12 months’ depression among Eritrean living in Oslo and surrounding were 16.9 % and of current depression were 1.2% with MDI instrument. In addition, the prevalence of current depression was 0.8% based on CES-D instrument. The associated factors for depression in this study were age, length of stay, PTSD, life threatening illness, sudden death, and any other stressful event or experiences. Conclusion: The present study indicates high prevalence of depression, PTSD and alcohol problems symptoms. The available knowledge indicates the need for preventive measures against depression and PTSD. Correspondingly, it is recommended to make a comprehensive research programme that addresses the knowledge gaps and methodological challenges. Key words: Depression, Immigrants, associated factors, Eritrea, Norway