Mental Health Outcomes of Immigrant- and US-Born Caregivers: California Health Interview Survey, 2019-2020.

Abstract

Objectives. To compare the mental health outcomes of US-born with immigrant caregivers of adult care recipients. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of the 2019 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), administered via web or telephone to 22 152 participants between September and December 2019. We characterized (1) caregivers and noncaregivers, and (2) US-born versus immigrant caregivers. Then, we estimated and compared (3) the relationship between caregiving status and severe psychological distress among US-born and immigrant respondents, and (4) correlates of severe psychological distress among US-born and immigrant respondents. Results. Caregivers were more likely than noncaregivers to report severe psychological distress (P < .05). Immigrant caregivers residing separately from their care recipient were significantly more likely to experience severe psychological distress (odds ratio = 3.76; P < .01). Conclusions. US-born and immigrant caregivers may experience different risk factors for psychological distress associated with caregiving. Clinical and community resources should be tailored to caregivers' distinct needs with consideration of how access to resources (e.g., language), circumstances (e.g., acculturation), and cultural norms (e.g., filial piety) may be associated with exacerbation of psychological distress among immigrants. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S2):S189-S199. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307396).