Social Determinants of Mental Health among Filipino Immigrants: Does Gender Matter?

Background: Despite their critical contribution to individual well-being, family functioning, and work productivity, little research exists regarding the social determinants of mental health and substance use, particularly among immigrants. Sociocultural factors linked to gender are thought to differentially influence mental health and substance use, suggesting gender-specific mechanisms. Purpose: To examine simultaneously the impact of social discrimination, job concerns, and social support on Filipino immigrants' mental health and substance use and to evaluate the moderating effects of gender. Methods: Subjects (N=1,397) were immigrant workers from the Filipino American Community Epidemiological Study. Mean time living in U.S. was 15.3 years (SD=10); 73.9% were English proficient; 60% were female. Using SEM with multiple group analysis, we tested the hypothesized model and gender moderating effects. Results: Mental health problems and substance use were moderately correlated (r=.38, p=.05). SEM findings supported the posited model, particularly for mental health, and were similar for both genders. Social discrimination and general job concerns showed significant effects on mental health problems (ß=.13; ß=.53, p=.05). The effect of general job concerns on mental health was stronger for females (b=1.59, p=.05) than males (b=.87, p=.05). English proficiency effects on substance use were stronger for males (b=.19, p=.05) than females (ns). Discussion: Social determinants predict both mental health and substance use problems, with few gender differences for Filipino immigrants. Given the diversity among Asian Pacific Islander (API) groups, replications with others are needed to clarify mechanisms across subgroups–a critical foundation for determining interventions when targeting a diverse population such as API.