Impact of migration and stressful life events on women's mental health

Purpose: There is no consensus in the literature regarding the impact of migration on mental health. There is a gap in research on predictors of poor mental health for migrant women, though there is evidence they are at increased risk of potential stressors associated with poor mental health. This study aimed to investigate: 1) the effect of migration on risk of common mental disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for women in London; 2) what stressful life events have an effect on these outcomes. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of residents aged 16 and older of private households (the South East London Community Health Study). Logistic regression was used to analyse the effect of migrant status, using level of development of countries of origin adjusted for inequalities in health, education, and income (United Nations Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index), and childhood and lifetime stressful events on common mental disorders and PTSD. Results: 391 immigrant women and 553 women born in the UK were included. Preliminary results showed Inequality-adjusted Human Development level had a significant effect on common mental disorders and PTSD, and migrant women from medium development level countries of origin were at increased risk of poor mental health. Physical and sexual abuse, being injured by a weapon, and the end of a serious relationship were found to increase the risk of common mental disorders and PTSD. Recommendations: Services must consider context of migration and exposure to stressful events, like violence, when addressing the mental health needs of migrant women.