Adult Immigrants Research Articles

“Israel is not Switzerland”: The Impact of Political Violence in Israel on Historically Traumatized Argentinian Immigrants

This study explores the long-term impact of childhood political trauma on the lives of adult Jewish-Argentinian immigrants who experienced trauma during the military dictatorship in Argentina (1976–1983), and who subsequently immigrated to Israel. Given the ongoing political instability in Israel, one of the purposes of this study was to determine whether prior political trauma made subjects more vulnerable to negative emotional and behavioral manifestations when living in a similarly violent situation, or whether it instead gave them tools to navigate that situation. The theoretical framework draws from Simich and Beiser’s (2011) paradigm, which includes factors for immigrant mental health across pre- and post-migration phases, which results in an assumed range of possible long-term negative and/or positive outcomes for mental health in adulthood. A narrative approach method was applied when interviewing 15 participants, and thematic textual analysis centered on the behavioral and emotional manifestations of these immigrants’ experiences in their current lives as adults. Findings revealed that participants’ present-day experiences included a variety of both negative and positive long-term emotional and behavioral reactions to ongoing political violence in Israel. These are located between two extremes: at the negative end of the scale, severe emotional and behavioral manifestations, while at the positive end, positive emotional and behavioral manifestations. This study concludes with recommendations for future research on the intersection between prior political trauma and exposure to political violence in the host country, as well as on the experience of this under-researched population.

Factors affecting the psychological well-being of immigrants: The role of group self-appraisal, social contacts, and perceived ethnic density.

Using a threat-benefit theory (Tartakovsky & Walsh, 2016b, 2019; Walsh, Tartakovsky, & Shifter-David, 2018), we aimed to examine a new theoretical model in which the psychological well-being of immigrants is associated with the appraisal of their own immigrant group as bringing benefits (and not just threats) to the receiving society. The model suggests that group self-appraisal is related to psychological well-being, both directly and indirectly, through levels of social contact with the majority population and fellow immigrants. The survey was conducted in a representative sample of 400 adult first-generation immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in Israel. The participants completed anonymous questionnaires examining the threat and benefit appraisal of their own immigrant group, levels of positive and negative contact with the majority population and fellow immigrants, perceived ethnic density (a subjective assessment of the proportion of FSU immigrants in one's neighborhood and at work), and psychological well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to test the theoretical model. Threat and benefit appraisal predicted psychological well-being both directly and indirectly, through levels of positive and negative social contact with the majority population and FSU immigrants. Perceived ethnic density predicted the psychological well-being of immigrants indirectly, through levels of positive and negative contact with the majority population and fellow immigrants. The study results corroborate a new theoretical model in which immigrants' self-appraisal of their group as both benefitting and threatening the receiving society can predict the immigrants' psychological well-being. This finding highlights the human need to feel that one's in-group is contributing to the society for the person's psychological well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Association of Cancer History and Health Care Utilization Among Female Immigrants Using NHANES 2007-2016 Data.

Despite health disparities in preventive care among adult female immigrants, the extent to which their health service utilization is influenced by a cancer history remains largely unknown. Using Andersen's behavioral model, 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed to examine the influence of a cancer history on health service utilization among adult immigrant women. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed factors related to past year health care utilization, operationalized as an outpatient doctor's visit and an inpatient overnight hospital stay. Once other factors were considered, a past cancer history increased the likelihood of a past year inpatient overnight hospital stay, but was not associated with a past year outpatient doctor's visit. An outpatient doctor's visit for adult female immigrant cancer survivors would provide an opportunity for essential preventive health services. They must be educated about the importance of ongoing outpatient care for cancer surveillance and health maintenance.

Challenges for Adult Undocumented Immigrants in Accessing Primary Care: A Qualitative Study of Health Care Workers in Los Angeles County.

Purpose: Amid increasingly restrictive federal immigration and health care policies in the United States, access to health care for undocumented immigrants is highly dependent on the extent to which local and state policies and programs address the needs of this population. In Los Angeles County (LA County), home to the nation's largest undocumented immigrant population, supportive policies are in place, yet little is known about how undocumented immigrants navigate available services.Methods: To gain insight into how federal, state, and local policies overlay and contribute to the experience of health care seeking among undocumented immigrants in LA County, we interviewed 19 key informant health care workers involved in the delivery of health care services, using a purposive snowball sampling approach.Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) health care workers at all clinics sampled reported primary care appointments are readily available for undocumented immigrants; however, primary care services remain underutilized; (2) fear, misinformation, and misperceptions of coverage and immigration policies—most commonly related to the revised Public Charge Rule—may reduce program enrollment and access; and (3) frontline health care workers feel ill-equipped to address patient fears and misinformation.Conclusion: Although county programs were perceived to improve access by covering health care costs and ensuring appointment availability, new restrictive immigration policies, such as the revised Public Charge Rule, and widespread misinformation present challenges that threaten the success of these programs. Future study to improve undocumented immigrant access to care should focus on addressing barriers resulting from these policies.

E-health and health literacy of young adult Ukrainian female immigrants and Polish counterparts

Abstract Background According to recent projections, even 10% of Polish gross domestic product is contributed by Ukrainian immigrants. There is also a considerable number of Ukrainians continuing university education in Poland. The level of health literacy in Ukrainian society has not been studied so far. The aim of the study was the comparison of health literacy (HL) and e-health literacy (eHL) of young adult Ukrainian (UA) women with their Polish (PL) counterparts Methods A snowball technique was used to recruit a sample of UA women working or studying in Poland to the Internet-based survey. The questionnaire used in the study consisted of the 16-item European HL Survey questionnaire (HLS-EU-16), eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), the set of the questions asking about health behaviours (HB), self-assessment of health status (HS) and items exploring sociodemographic variables. For comparison, the data of an age-matched sample of 100 respondents was extracted from the online survey performed in a representative sample of PL women. Results The mean age (standard deviation, SD) of 57 UA respondents was 20.23 (1.78) years and in Polish sample 20.25 (1.79). HL did not differ between both groups (11.06 (4.22) vs 11.44 (4.34), respectively, p = 0.53), but eHL was significantly lower in UA group (25.91 (5.36) vs 28.17 (5.37), U Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.01). Only 58.5% of UA respondents vs 80.5% of PL ones assessed their HS as at least good (Fisher exact test, p < 0.001). The rates of active smoking (34.6% vs. 35.0%, p = 0.55), using e-cigarettes (35.3% vs 34.0%, p = 0.99), frequent alcohol consumption (26.9% vs. 20%, p = 0.41), and intensive physical activity (49.0% vs. 38.0%, p = 0.22) did not differ between study groups. Conclusions Young UA women show lower eHL than PL counterparts. Although HL and HB in both groups did not differ significantly, UA respondents have assessed their HS much lower than PL participants. Key messages E-health literacy and self-assessed health status were significantly lower among young Ukrainian than among Polish women. Both groups did not differ for health literacy and health behaviours.

Residential mobility, mental health, and community violence exposure among Somali refugees and immigrants in North America.

Refugees and immigrants resettled in high income countries often later experience a new phase of residential uncertainty in search of safe and secure housing. This study investigated the effect of past year housing stability on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to neighborhood violence among a sample of 1st and 2nd generation Somali young adults (N=198) living in urban areas in North America. In one year, 8.1% of the sample experienced a forced move and 20.7% of the sample moved voluntarily. Discrimination, neighborhood violence, economic insecurity, and interpersonal conflict precipitated forced moves. Forced moves were associated with worsening PTSD symptomology over one year, while voluntary moves were associated with improvements in symptoms. The current study provides evidence of the importance of safe, stable housing for the mental health of young adult immigrants.

Duration of United States Residence and Self-Reported Health Among African-Born Immigrant Adults.

Although researchers have found an inverse relationship between length of U.S. residence and health, research on this issue among African-born immigrants is limited. Data from the 2011-2015 National Health Interview Surveys were pooled for African-born immigrants (N = 1137) and used to estimate weighted ordinary least squares regression models on self-reported health, adjusting for common immigrant health predictors. Length of U.S. residence was associated with significant health status declines onlyamong those that had lived in the U.S. for 10 toless than 15years(b=-0.235, p < 0.05), net of covariates. African-born immigrants may have both different selection processes than other immigrants and not follow common integration patterns. These findings suggest that existing immigrant health frameworks may need modification to fully apply to this growing U.S. immigrant population.

High Prevalence of Cervical High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Harboring Atypical Genotypes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus -Infected and -Uninfected First-Generation Adult Immigrant Women Originating from Sub-Saharan Africa and Living in France

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical lesions in first-generation immigrant African women in France should reflect the epidemiology of high-risk (HR)-human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in sub-Saharan Africa. First-generation immigrant African women attending the Centre Hospitalier Régional of Orléans, France, were prospectively subjected to endocervical swabs for HPV DNA PCR and Pap smear. Fifty women (mean age, 41.7 years) living in France (mean stay, 10.7 years) were enrolled, including 26.0% of HIV-negative women from general population and 74.0% of women with known HIV infection. Cervical HPV prevalence was 68.0%, with 56.0% of HR-HPV. HR-HPV -68 and -58 were the predominant genotypes (20.0% and 14.0%, respectively). HR-HPV-16 and HR-HPV-18 were infrequently detected. HIV-infected women showed a trend to be more frequently infected by HPV than HIV-negative women (70.3% versus 61.5%). Most women (84.0%) showed normal cytology, while the remaining (16.0%) exhibited cervical abnormalities and were frequently HIV-infected (87.5%). These observations highlight the unsuspected high burden of cervical HR-HPV infections mostly associated with atypical genotypes, HIV infection and cervical abnormalities in first-generation immigrant African women living in France.

Taking Part and Being There: A Small Insight into the Spatial Participation of Young Adult Immigrants in Oldenburg’s Public Spaces

Examining the role of urban spatiality for the integration of young immigrants is an emerging research field with the potential to provide important foundations for the implementation of integration policies and urban design. Current research in Germany on this subject focuses on large cities; this study adds insight instead into the context of a mid-sized city. The study asks: How do young adult immigrants participate in public spaces in Oldenburg? Results from five interviews show that the city center is connected to consumer purposes and social encounters in semi-public spaces. Study participants rarely use the public spaces in the city; instead, they favor the public green spaces on the outskirts.

The life satisfaction among older East Asian immigrants: sexual attitudes and knowledge

ABSTRACT Sexuality in later life is an essential factor for quality of life among older adults However, little is known about the sexuality of older adult immigrants from East Asia who have experienced both Western and Eastern cultures. In addition, we have limited information about the mechanism of how sexual attitudes impact life satisfaction through knowledge of sexuality. To address these knowledge gaps, a cross-sectional research design was conducted by collecting data from older East Asian immigrants aged 60 or over in a large city in a Midwestern state. We analyzed 96 responses using exploratory factor analysis and mediation analysis. The results showed that older adult immigrants who had more open sexual attitudes were likely to possess accurate sexual knowledge. Older adult immigrants’ sexual knowledge mediated the relationship between their sexual attitudes and life satisfaction. The findings highlight the importance of lifelong sexual education for older adult immigrants and recommend social workers train in culturally sensitive approaches.

Linking the westernised oropharyngeal microbiome to the immune response in Chinese immigrants

BackgroundHuman microbiota plays a fundamental role in modulating the immune response. Western environment and lifestyle are envisaged to alter the human microbiota with a new microbiome profile established in Chinese immigrants, which fails to prime the immune system. Here, we investigated how differences in composition of oropharyngeal microbiome may contribute to patterns of interaction between the microbiome and immune system in Chinese immigrants living in Australia.MethodsWe recruited 44 adult Chinese immigrants: newly-arrived (n = 22, living in Australia < 6 months) and long-term Chinese immigrants (n = 22, living in Australia > 5 years), with age and gender matched. Oropharyngeal swabs, serum and whole blood were collected. The 16 s ribosomal RNA gene from the swabs was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Innate immune responses were determined by 23 Toll-like receptors (TLR) pathway cytokines, while adaptive immune responses were determined by IgG-associated response to specific microbial/viral pathogens.ResultsThe relative abundance of the genus Leptotrichia was higher in long-term immigrants as compared to that in newly-arrived Chinese immigrants, while the genus Deinococcus was significantly lower in long-term Chinese immigrants. The genera uncultured Lachnospiraceae, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-007, Veillonella, and Actinomycetales_ambiguous taxa were negatively correlated with cytokine IL-6 in long-term Chinese immigrants (rho range: − 0.46 ~ − 0.73). With respect to adaptive immunity, several microbial taxa were significantly associated with IgG1 responsiveness to microbial antigens in long-term immigrants, while a significant correlation with IgG1 responsiveness to viral antigens was detected in newly-arrived immigrants.ConclusionsThe composition of the oropharyngeal microbiome varies between newly-arrived and long-term Chinese immigrants. Specific microbial taxa are significantly associated with immunological parameters but with different association patterns between newly-arrived and long-term Chinese immigrants.

Epidemiology of varicella among immigrants and non-immigrants in Quebec, Canada, before and after the introduction of childhood varicella vaccination: a retrospective cohort study

Many immigrants are susceptible to varicella on arrival to Canada because of different transmission dynamics in their countries of origin and scarcity of vaccination. Universal childhood vaccination programmes decrease varicella incidence rates through herd immunity, but the accumulating number of susceptible adult immigrants could remain at risk for severe varicella. Our aim was to describe the epidemiology of varicella among immigrants and non-immigrants before and after childhood varicella vaccination. We did a population-based, retrospective cohort study of all varicella cases in Quebec, Canada, diagnosed between 1996 and 2014 in administrative health databases linked to immigration data. Cases of varicella met diagnostic codes in the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision Canadian modifications. Cases with a co-occurring zoster diagnostic code and immigrants from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and western European countries were excluded. Vaccination periods included pre-vaccination (1996-98), private vaccination (1999-2005), and public vaccination (2006-14). Incidence rate and comparative rate ratios were estimated using census data. A total of 231 339 varicella cases diagnosed between Jan 1, 1996, and Dec 31, 2014, were linked to 1 115 696 immigrants who arrived between Jan 1, 1980, and Dec 31, 2014. 1444 herpes zoster cases and 1276 immigrants from Australia, western Europe, New Zealand, and the USA were excluded. Among 228 619 varicella cases, 13 315 (5·8%) occurred in immigrants. In pre-vaccination versus public vaccination periods, varicella incidence declined in immigrants by 87% (95% CI 86·6-87·9; 324·3 cases per 100 000 person-years to 40·9 cases per 100 000 person-years) and in non-immigrants by 93% (92·4-92·7; 484 cases per 100 000 person-years to 36 cases per 100 000 person-years). Mean age at diagnosis increased in both groups (15·1 vs 19·4 years in immigrants and 8·4 vs 12·0 years in non-immigrants). In the public vaccination period, immigrants younger than 50 years had higher varicella rates than non-immigrants, with relative risk ranging from 1·53 (95% CI 1·37-1·72) to 4·64 (3·90-5·53) with the highest risk in adolescents and young adults, and people from Latin America and the Caribbean (age-specific incidence rate ratio [aIRR]I-NI pre-vaccination 2·19 and post-vaccination aIRRI-NI6·07) and south Asia (aIRRI-NI pre-vaccination 3·41 and aIRRI-NI post-vaccination 4·46) and in childbearing women (15-40 years; IRRI-NI 2·48). Immigrant adolescents, young adults, and women of childbearing age had higher age-standardised rates of varicella than non-immigrants, with increasing disparities following vaccine introduction. Immigrants younger than 50 years of age would benefit from targeted vaccination upon arrival to host countries. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and The Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.

The association between recalled parental rearing behavior and depressiveness: a comparison between 1st immigrants and non-immigrants in the population-based Gutenberg Health Study

BackgroundStudies in immigrant youth have suggested differences in parenting patterns by immigration status. Knowledge of variation in recalled parenting pattern and its distinctive impact on mental health in adult immigrants, however, is limited. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate similarities and differences in recalled maternal and paternal rearing behavior and its association with depressiveness in adult 1st generation immigrants compared to non-immigrants.MethodsSeven hundred and forty-three 1st generation immigrants (M = 57.4, SD = 10.1 years) and 6518 non-immigrants (M = 60.3, SD = 10.7 years) participated in a population-based study. Regarding countries of origin, the largest subgroups were immigrants from Eastern-Europe, Former-SU, and Arabic-Islamic countries. All participants completed the ultra-short version of The Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior-questionnaire and the PHQ-9 assessing depressiveness. Multiple linear regressions with depressiveness as outcome variable were analyzed separately for each facet of parental rearing behavior adjusting for socio-demographic and migration-related variables.ResultsIn addition to differences in depressiveness and socioeconomic status, 1st generation immigrants recalled both their mothers and fathers as more controlling and overprotecting than non-immigrants. Parental emotional warmth was negatively associated with depressiveness across all groups. The relationship between parental control, respectively parental rejection and depressiveness, however, varied in direction and severity between the groups.ConclusionThe results support the notion that parental warmth is a universal protective factor against depressiveness, whereas the impact of parental control on mental health might be more culturally influenced. Analyses point to the importance of considering the unique contribution of fathers’ rearing behavior on mental health, particularly in immigrant samples.

Sheltering in Place in a Xenophobic Climate: COVID-19 and Children in Immigrant Families.

* Abbreviations: CIF — : children in immigrant families COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease DACA — : Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ICE — : Immigration and Customs Enforcement LEP — : limited English proficiency SDH — : social determinant of health TPS — : temporary protected status WIC — : Women, Infants, and Children Program Like many health conditions that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations of color, we expect that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic will inequitably affect the health and livelihoods of immigrant families. One in 4 children (>18 million) in the United States lives in an immigrant family, in which the child or ≥1 parent was born outside the United States.1 Among children in immigrant families (CIF), >7 million live in “mixed-status” families, meaning ≥1 parent is not a US citizen.2 Before the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrant families faced increasingly restrictive policies and discrimination. Regardless of legal status, CIF experience increased health and social risks compared with peers in nonimmigrant families, including lower rates of health insurance coverage and higher poverty levels.3 The COVID-19 pandemic amplifies existing inequities and introduces new ones as immigrant families navigate school closures, lack of health insurance and paid leave, and decisions to seek medical care or public services amid ongoing immigration enforcement. Additionally, immigrant families are more likely to live in multigenerational households,4 heightening the risk of COVID-19 for multiple family members. Families with limited English proficiency (LEP) must decipher rapidly evolving public health directives, such as “shelter-in-place” orders and recommendations for mask-wearing, without multilingual and culturally relevant messaging. Underlying these challenges is the implicit presumption of a safe place in shelter-in-place and social distancing directives. For immigrant families seeking safe haven in the United States, “place” may include violence and abject poverty, both in home countries and at the US border. For CIF in US communities coping with persistent fears of immigration enforcement and family separation, … Address correspondence to Rushina Cholera, Duke University School of Medicine, 200 Morris St, 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27701. E-mail: rushina.cholera{at}duke.edu

The needs of adult immigrants in Europe for social inclusion through language education

Learning the language of the host country plays a significant role in the social life of migrants regardless of their age, gender or cultural background since it is the key to their integration into different dimensions of the social life from the labour market to education or simple daily interactions. This multi-dimensional integration may give rise to a socially cohesive and productive society. The study aimed to investigate the needs of adult immigrants in Europe for their social inclusion through language education. It was based on the survey method and adopted the qualitative research design. For this purpose, the data were collected via a structured questionnaire and a detailed review of literature. For the data analysis, after the pre-analysis, the coding system was administered. The results have revealed that learning the official language at a basic level is not enough for adult immigrants to integrate into the host society; they are actually in need of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary language teaching program comprising both in-class and out of class activities for real engagement and some personal experience in everyday situations in the new socio-cultural environment.

The interplay of community and family risk and protective factors on adjustment in young adult immigrants.

We examined the direct and interactive effects of community violence and both family cohesion and conflict on collective efficacy and aggressive behaviours among immigrant young adults. Participants included 221 young adults (ages 18-26; mean age=21.36; 45.7% female, 190 born outside the U.S.) who completed self-report measures of their exposure to neighbourhood violence, social cohesion, collective efficacy and prosocial behaviours toward friends and strangers. Results, in general, showed that community violence and family cohesion were positively associated with collective efficacy whereas community violence and family conflict were positively associated with aggressive behaviours. Family cohesion and conflict also moderated the links between community violence and aggressive behaviours. Discussion focuses on the interplay of community and family processes and the relations to adjustment of immigrant young adults.

Barriers and facilitators of patient centered care for immigrant and refugee women: a scoping review

BackgroundMigrants experience disparities in healthcare quality, in particular women migrants. Despite international calls to improve healthcare quality for migrants, little research has addressed this problem. Patient-centred care (PCC) is a proven approach for improving patient experiences and outcomes. This study reviewed published research on PCC for migrants.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for English-language qualitative or quantitative studies published from 2010 to June 2019 for studies that assessed PCC for adult immigrants or refugees. We tabulated study characteristics and findings, and mapped findings to a 6-domain PCC framework.ResultsWe identified 581 unique studies, excluded 538 titles/abstracts, and included 16 of 43 full-text articles reviewed. Most (87.5%) studies were qualitative involving a median of 22 participants (range 10–60). Eight (50.0%) studies involved clinicians only, 6 (37.5%) patients only, and 2 (12.5%) both patients and clinicians. Studies pertained to migrants from 19 countries of origin. No studies evaluated strategies or interventions aimed at either migrants or clinicians to improve PCC. Eleven (68.8%) studies reported barriers of PCC at the patient (i.e. language), clinician (i.e. lack of training) and organization/system level (i.e. lack of interpreters). Ten (62.5%) studies reported facilitators, largely at the clinician level (i.e. establish rapport, take extra time to communicate). Five (31.3%) studies focused on women, thus we identified few barriers (i.e. clinicians dismissed their concerns) and facilitators (i.e. women clinicians) specific to PCC for migrant women. Mapping of facilitators to the PCC framework revealed that most pertained to 2 domains: fostering a healing relationship and exchanging information. Few facilitators mapped to the remaining 4 domains: address emotions/concerns, manage uncertainty, make decisions, and enable self-management.ConclusionsWhile few studies were included, they revealed numerous barriers of PCC at the patient, clinician and organization/system level for immigrants and refugees from a wide range of countries of origin. The few facilitators identified pertained largely to 2 PCC domains, thereby identifying gaps in knowledge of how to achieve PCC in 4 domains, and an overall paucity of knowledge on how to achieve PCC for migrant women.

The Roles of ‘Grandparents’ in the Foster Grandparent Program: Perspectives of Chinese Immigrant Older Adults in the United States

ABSTRACT Volunteering is a major category within productive aging activities. This qualitative study explored immigrant Chinese older adults’ own understanding of their roles as volunteers in a Foster Grandparent Program. Inductive thematic analysis was employed and themes/codes were identified until consensus was reached. Participants reported several volunteer tasks including: assisting teachers, accompanying children, helping children, playing with children, communicating with children, protecting children, building a bridge between teacher and student, and providing love and comfort for children. Four roles emerged: assistant, companion, protector, and connector. Study findings offer insight to inform future research and practice related to volunteering and older immigrants.

Vaya Con Dios: The Influence of Religious Constructs on Stressors around the Migration Process and U.S. Lived Experiences among Latina/o Immigrants.

This qualitative study explores the role of religious practices on the migration process and the U.S. lived experiences of Latina/o immigrants. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 Latino/a immigrant adults living in a southern state of the United States. Interviews focused on participants’ migration experiences, religious constructs, and stress responses. Results revealed that religious practices provided strength, well-being, and positive life outlook during the migration process. After migration, religious practices also assisted participants in creating a sense of community/family, as well as provided financial and social support during difficult times. Recommendations for future interdisciplinary research and for practitioners are discussed for individuals working with Latinx and immigrant populations.

Nutrition Factors Are Associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Immigrant and Canadian-Born Adults: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Abstract Objectives To examine associations between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and nutrition factors among Canadian-born and immigrant adults. Methods The sample included participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) (n = 27,211; 45–85 years) categorized by ethnicity (native white, native minority, immigrant white, and immigrant minority). PTSD was measured using the Primary Care PTSD tool. Nutrition factors included nutrition status indicators (anthropometrics, body fat %, handgrip strength, nutrition risk, sarcopenia, bone mineral density, and iron deficiency anemia) and dietary intakes (fiber, pulses and nuts, fat, omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, calcium/vitamin D, salty snacks, pastries, and chocolate bars). Covariates included socioeconomic and health-related variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results Compared to white Canadians born in Canada, immigrant minority groups had a higher likelihood of PTSD (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.14–1.90, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Nutrition factors associated with PTSD included high nutrition risk (OR = 1.60, CI 1.41–1.80, P &amp;lt; 0.001), intakes of pulses and nuts (≥ one source; ORs 1.50–1.16, P's-&amp;lt; 0.05), pastries or chocolate (≥ 2/3 of a standard bar) (ORs = 1.35–1.37, P's &amp;lt; 0.05), and fiber (2–3 sources daily; OR = 0.83, CI 0.69–1.00, P &amp;lt; 0.05), as well as high waist-to-height ratio (OR = 0.91, CI 0.69–0.97, P &amp;lt; 0.05). Other factors included income (&amp;lt;C$100,000/yr; ORs 1.39–2.58, P's &amp;lt; 0.001), being widowed, divorced, or separated (OR = 1.35, CI 1.10–1.65, P &amp;lt; 0.05), having multiple chronic conditions (ORs = 1.76–3.34, P's &amp;lt; 0.001), experiencing chronic pain (OR = 1.64, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and smoking (OR = 1.22, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions Many nutrition-related factors contribute to PTSD in mid-age and older adults suggesting that targeted nutrition interventions within comprehensive programming will likely help prevent or manage PTSD. Funding Sources MITACS and Fulbright Canada.