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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 3/2009

01-03-2009 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Psychological distress, depression and generalised anxiety in Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in Belgium

A general population study

Authors: Katia Levecque, Ina Lodewyckx, Piet Bracke

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 3/2009

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Abstract

Background

This study assesses the prevalence of and risk and protective factors for common mental health complaints in a general population sample of Turkish and Moroccan immigrants living in Belgium. Focus is on between- and within-group variation.

Methods

The study is based on pooled data from the Belgian Health Interview Surveys 2001 and 2004 and focuses on the Turkish and Moroccan immigrant population aged 18–65 (N = 147 Turks, N = 359 Moroccans). Mental health status is assessed with the General Health Questionnaire—12 and the Symptom Checklist 90-R subscales for depression and generalised anxiety. Risk and protective factors considered are gender, age, household type, labor market position, educational level, household income, homeownership, being foreign- or native born and social support.

Results

Between-group variance was not significant. Within-group analysis showed significant effects of gender and social support. Although not significant, the results suggested positive associations between social adversity and mood status. In addition, there was a tendency for higher risks for psychological distress, depression and generalised anxiety in foreign-born as compared to Belgian-born Turkish and Moroccan immigrants.
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Metadata
Title
Psychological distress, depression and generalised anxiety in Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in Belgium
A general population study
Authors
Katia Levecque
Ina Lodewyckx
Piet Bracke
Publication date
01-03-2009
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 3/2009
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0431-0

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