Ethnic differences in stress among residents in a deprived neighbourhood in Denmark

Abstract

The present research aimed to explore how stress varies by socio-demographic characteristics among immigrants compared to the host population in a deprived neighbourhood. Data used in the analyses were collected through questionnaires from 1160 inhabitants in Esbjerg, Denmark. Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for ethnic Danes and immigrants to examine the stress' association with gender, age, education, marital status, economic situation, social deprivation, unemployment, sick leave and loneliness. Although stress frequency was higher among immigrants than ethnic Danes, stress was significantly associated only with gender among immigrants and with all variables but gender and marital status among ethnic Danes. The association of stress with socio-demographic characteristics shows a different pattern between immigrants and the host population residents in a deprived neighbourhood. Socio-demographic characteristics by themselves cannot explain significant differences in stress levels between people. Specific circumstances in people's life may change the experience's meaning and eventually health outcomes.

Keywords:

• stress
• ethnic groups
• socio-demographic characteristics
• deprived neighbourhood

Acknowledgements

We appreciate Det Kommunale Momsfond (The National Municipality Fund for Community Projects in Denmark, 2010) for its financial support to this study in the frame of the FELIS project.

Conflicts of interest: None declared.