Depression in Irish migrants living in London: case-control study.

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that Irish migrants in Britain have higher rates of depression and suicide than other minority ethnic groups.

AIMS

To examine the association between poorly planned migration and depression in Irish-born people living in London.

METHOD

A sample of 360 Irish-born people was recruited from 11 general practices into a case-control study. Participants were interviewed using standardised measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We calculated the odds ratio for any association between depression and eight questions on preparation for migration.

RESULTS

Poorly planned migration was associated with subsequent depression in Irish-born people living in London (OR=1.20, 95% CI1.06-1.35). The odds of depression were increased by a factor of 20% for each additional negative answer to eight questions on preparation for migration. Positive post-migration influences such as adequate social support protected some against depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression in Irish-born people living in London is associated with poorly planned migration. However, this effect can be modified by experiences following migration.