Premigration Factors and Mental Health among Asian Immigrants

Migration and its accompanying stressors influence the mental health status of immigrants. Little is known about how premigration factors affect mental disorders, particularly among Asian Americans. This study examined the mental health impacts of three factors: whether migration was voluntary, how well migrants prepared for migration and various reasons for migration. Outcomes included psychological distress, 12-month rates of any depressive and anxiety disorders. Data were from the National Latino and Asian American Study (the NLAAS). Logistic and multiple regression analyses were used to estimate the mental health effects of premigration factors among Asian immigrants. Results indicated that 70% of the immigrants migrated voluntarily, 50% of them were well-prepared for the migration, and 70% migrated for socioeconomic reasons. The associations between premigration factors and mental health were different for men and women. Among women, those who had carefully planned the migration, compared with those with no or poor plans, were significantly less distressed (b = -1.01, p<.05), had lower rates of affective disorders (OR = .14, 95%CI[.04, .49]) and anxiety disorders (OR = .41, 95%CI[.17, .94]) in the past year. Among men, those migrating for socioeconomic reasons had less psychological distress compared to those migrating for political reasons (b = -.96, p <.05). Premigration factors were significant predictors of mental health status of Asian immigrants, but in different ways for men and women. Mental health services and programs for Asians should take into account gender differences and pay attention to specific circumstances under which Asians migrate to the United States.