Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Haitian imigrant youth: Implications for access to mental health services and educational programming

Background: While the broader body of knowledge on refugee youth focuses on a range of psychosocial health outcomes, studies of Haitian immigrant and refugee youth have emphasized “externalizing” behaviors, such as substance use, high risk sexual behavior, delinquency, and “deviant behavior,” with very little information available on “internalizing” symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Objectives: This study aimed to 1) estimate the prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Haitian immigrant youth; 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 youth enrolled in Boston public high schools was selected for participation; 84% of youth agreed to be interviewed with a standardized questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence estimates of depression and PTSD were 14% and 12%; 8% of youth suffered from comorbid PTSD and depression. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated factors most strongly associated with depression and PTSD, including history of father's death, self-report of poor school performance, not spending time with friends, among other factors.

Conclusions: A significant level of depression and PTSD was observed in the present study indicating a need for enhanced services in the schools and increased access to mental health services for Haitian immigrant youth. Appropriate school-based identification and referral systems may enhance access to mental health care and offer opportunities for prevention of poor clinical outcomes, school failure, and suicide in this at risk population.