Cultural and Social Determinants of Health among Indigenous Mexican Migrants in the United States

Abstract

Despite growing numbers, indigenous Mexican migrants are relatively invisible to health practitioners who group them with nonindigenous, mestizo Mexican-origin populations. Associations between indigenous and mestizo cultural identifications with psychosocial characteristics and health indicators among indigenous Mexican migrants were examined. Results revealed gender differences in cultural identifications, perceived discrimination, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and various health indicators including depression severity, culture-bound syndromes, and self-rated health. Multivariate regression and structural equation path modeling demonstrated how indigenous cultural identification and perceived discrimination affects health. Findings suggest that interventions should utilize indigenous community–based activities designed to promote self-esteem and the value of indigenous culture, with a focus on females.

Keywords:

• Indigenous Mexicans
• migrant farmworkers
• cultural identification
• discrimination
• depression
• culture-bound syndromes
• social determinants of health

Notes

This research was supported by a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, but the content does not necessarily represent the views or policies of this foundation.