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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research article

Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Haitian immigrant students: implications for access to mental health services and educational programming

Authors: Mary C Smith Fawzi, Theresa S Betancourt, Lilly Marcelin, Michelle Klopner, Kerim Munir, Anna C Muriel, Catherine Oswald, Joia S Mukherjee

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Previous studies of Haitian immigrant and refugee youth have emphasized "externalizing" behaviors, such as substance use, high risk sexual behavior, and delinquency, with very little information available on "internalizing" symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Analyzing stressors and "internalizing" symptoms offers a more balanced picture of the type of social and mental health services that may be needed for this population. The present study aims to: 1) estimate the prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Haitian immigrant students; and 2) examine factors associated with depression and PTSD to identify potential areas of intervention that may enhance psychosocial health outcomes among immigrant youth from Haiti in the U.S.

Methods

A stratified random sample of Haitian immigrant students enrolled in Boston public high schools was selected for participation; 84% agreed to be interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. Diagnosis of depression and PTSD was ascertained using the best estimate diagnosis method.

Results

The prevalence estimates of depression and PTSD were 14.0% and 11.6%; 7.9% suffered from comorbid PTSD and depression. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated factors most strongly associated with depression (history of father's death, self-report of schoolwork not going well, not spending time with friends) and PTSD (concern for physical safety, having many arguments with parents, history of physical abuse, and lack of safety of neighborhood).

Conclusions

A significant level of depression and PTSD was observed. Stressors subsequent to immigration, such as living in an unsafe neighborhood and concern for physical safety, were associated with an increased risk of PTSD and should be considered when developing programs to assist this population. Reducing exposure to these stressors and enhancing access to social support and appropriate school-based and mental health services may improve educational attainment and psychosocial health outcomes among Haitian immigrant youth.
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Metadata
Title
Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Haitian immigrant students: implications for access to mental health services and educational programming
Authors
Mary C Smith Fawzi
Theresa S Betancourt
Lilly Marcelin
Michelle Klopner
Kerim Munir
Anna C Muriel
Catherine Oswald
Joia S Mukherjee
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-9-482

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