Abstract
Background: This study analysed the relationship between social support and psychological distress in Latina women in Miami-Dade County. Acculturation was examined as a modifying factor.Methods: A 2005 data set from interviews of 155 Latina mothers in Miami-Dade County, from mother-daughter dyads, was analysed. Social support was measured using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) score. Psychological distress was based on self-reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Acculturation was based on English proficiency and length of U.S. residency.Results: Compared to those with high social support, women with low social support had greater odds of reporting psychological distress (odds ratio = 7.8 [95% CI 2.70-22.10]). Acculturation did not modify the association (p=0.74).Conclusions: Social support was inversely associated with psychological distress among Latina women. Acculturation was not an effect modifier, likely due to inadequate power. The study has clinical implications for mental illness prevention in this population.
Highlights
Anxiety disorders as a whole are some of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting about 18% of adults [1]
About 24% of women were found to have higher acculturation levels, but no statistically significant differences were found for the frequency of acculturation across the three strata of social support (Table 1)
Results from this study suggest an association between social support and psychological distress among Latina immigrant women living in Miami-Dade County, Florida
Summary
Anxiety disorders as a whole are some of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting about 18% of adults [1]. One of the many risk factors postulated to increase the prevalence of these psychiatric illnesses is low social support [2]. This study focuses on perceived interpersonal support, which refers to an individual’s report of interpersonal support available to him or her. This type of support is considered by some to be a more sensitive measure of an individual’s ability to cope with physical and mental health adversity [4]. This study analysed the relationship between social support and psychological distress in Latina women in Miami-Dade County.
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