[The effect of postmigration stressors on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among refugees in Germany. Analysis of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey 2016].

BACKGROUND

International studies prove the high burden of mental illnesses among refugees. Postmigration stressors in the country of refuge may affect the mental health and result in depression.

OBJECTIVES

The study examines whether postmigration stressors are associated with the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adult refugees in Germany.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis based on cross-sectional data of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees 2016 (N = 4465) that is representative for Germany. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire‑2 (PHQ-2). Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with binary logistic regression models to examine associations between depression and sociodemographic, postmigration, and psychosocial factors.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms show 19.4% of the surveyed refugees. Almost all selected postmigration stressors are significantly associated with depression after adjustment for sociodemographic and psychosocial factors. Unemployment (aOR = 1.48 [1.04-2.12]), loneliness (aOR = 1.14 [1.10-1.18]), and a rejected or undecided asylum application (aOR = 1.34 [1.06-1.70]) increase the odds of depressive symptoms, whereas asylum interviews (aOR = 0.71 [0.56-0.91]) and higher housing satisfaction (aOR = 0.94 [0.91-0.98]) lower the odds of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmigration stress is associated with the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Sociopolitical interventions considering stressful and protective factors of the postmigration phase can reduce the burden of mental disorders in refugee populations.