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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 4/2013

01-08-2013 | Brief Report

Impact of economic crisis on mental health of migrant workers: what happened with migrants who came to Spain to work?

Authors: Andrés A. Agudelo-Suárez, Elena Ronda, María Luisa Vázquez-Navarrete, Ana M. García, José Miguel Martínez, Fernando G. Benavides

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2013

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Abstract

Objectives

To assess changes in mental health in a sample of migrant workers after the eruption of the economic crisis in Spain.

Methods

318 migrant workers were interviewed. Mental health, sociodemographic, and economic crisis related variables were obtained through face-to-face (2008) and phone (2011) interviews. Prevalence of poor mental health (PMH) was compared (2011–2008) and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted.

Results

Change in prevalence of PMH was higher in men (aOR 4.63; 95 % CI 2.11–10.16). Subgroups of men showing the largest detrimental mental health effects were: unemployed, with low salaries (≤1,200 euros) and those reporting family burden. An increase of PMH was found in women, without significant associations.

Conclusions

Mental health of migrant workers in Spain has worsened during the economic crisis.
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Metadata
Title
Impact of economic crisis on mental health of migrant workers: what happened with migrants who came to Spain to work?
Authors
Andrés A. Agudelo-Suárez
Elena Ronda
María Luisa Vázquez-Navarrete
Ana M. García
José Miguel Martínez
Fernando G. Benavides
Publication date
01-08-2013
Publisher
Springer Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0475-0

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