[Depression and anxiety in elderly Jews from former Soviet Union in Germany: the role of discrimination and religiosity].

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of empirical studies focusing on mental health in Jews from former Soviet Union in Germany. The influence of discrimination and religiosity on symptoms of depression and anxiety was investigated.

METHODS

110 elderly Jews living in Leipzig and Halle/Saale were asked to fill out a questionnaire including information about their immigration background (length of stay, age at migration, and country of origin), perceived discrimination, religiosity and level of integration. Depression and anxiety were assessed with PHQ-4. Linear regressions were applied as statistical tests.

RESULTS

Participants who live alone and report higher level of perceived discrimination indicate higher anxiety and depression scores. Length of stay is positively associated with anxiety, as well as religiosity with symptoms of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Some results are similar to the findings of others international studies, some other findings underline the specificity of the target group. The influence of discrimination has been demonstrated, implications for further investigation, especially with attention to the integration of older Jews from former Soviet Union in Germany are given.