Vietnamese Americans and Depression: A Health and Mental Health Concern

Abstract

This study focused on factors contributing to depression and help-seeking preferences among Vietnamese Americans. Survey results from 572 Vietnamese Americans showed depression prevalence at 30.2%. Those with depressive symptoms tended to be female, unmarried, unemployed, experiencing family relationship concerns, health issues, or income losses. Seeking help from mental health professionals was the least preferred treatment. Logistic regression analysis predicted that each unit increase in physical health concerns on a four-point scale raised the likelihood of Vietnamese Americans having depressive symptoms by 67.3%. This study provides evidence-based data to support the use of culturally relevant treatment that is integrated with health-focused family services and religious consultation.

Keywords:

• depressive symptoms
• help-seeking
• Vietnamese immigrants
• cultural sensitivity
• minority health and mental health

This article was a juried paper presented at the Asian & Pacific Islanders Summit on Global Social Work Education in conjunction with the 54th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education in Philadelphia, November 2008.