The Impact of Acculturation on Depression Among Older Muslim Immigrants in the United States

Abstract

Using a cross-sectional design, this study utilized a self-administered survey to examine the relationship between acculturation, physical and emotional health, health locus of control (LOC), life events and depression among a convenient sample of 70 immigrant Muslim elderly in United States of America. In addition to demographic variables, 5 standardized measures including the Vancouver Index of Acculturation, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD), Iowa Self-Assessment Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Geriatric Scale of Recent Life Events were utilized in this study. The results showed that about 50% of participants reported a score of 16 and above on the CESD scale, indicating a presence of depressive symptoms. In addition, most participants identified with their heritage culture compared to the American culture. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed 4 significant predictors of depression: cognitive status (β = −.34, p < .01), heritage culture (β = .35, p < .01), physical health (β = −.27, p < .05), and internal health locus of control (β = −.25, p < .05). These factors explain about 37% of the total variance in levels depression (R = .61).

Keywords:

• elderly
• immigrants
• Muslims
• acculturation
• depression
• health locus of control

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Mental Health Association of the District of Columbia.