Anxiety and depressive symptoms among people from the Micronesian region in Hawaiʻi

Abstract

ABSTRACT People from the Micronesian region represent one of the fastest growing migrant groups in the U.S., but little is known about their mental health. Research using respondent-driven sampling of 486 Micronesians living in Hawaiʻi was conducted to explore demographics, immigration-related variables, and connections to the Micronesian community and their association with anxiety and depression. Results show that connection to the Micronesian community was related to lower likelihood of experiencing probable anxiety, while depression was not as closely associated with demographic, immigration, or community connection variables. These findings suggest that interventions enhancing cultural pride and connection may be an effective tool to support Micronesians at risk for or experiencing anxiety.