Neighborhood Adversity and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in a Low-Income Migrant Community on the U.S.-Mexico Border

Abstract

Introduction

Low-income individuals with a history of international migration are at risk for poor mental health due to social and economic adversity. This study examined associations of neighborhood adversity with depression and anxiety symptoms and explored whether social support moderated this relationship in a low-income U.S.-Mexico border population.

Methods

This study recruited U.S-Mexico border residents in Tijuana, Mexico. Neighborhood adversity was measured using a validated scale with five subscales. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. Social support was measured using the 12-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Multivariable linear regression models examined the associations of neighborhood adversity with depression and anxiety symptoms.

Results

Participants (N=206) were 77% male and 76% reported history of prior migration to the U.S. Prevalence of clinically significant depression and anxiety symptoms were 37% and 33%, respectively. Individuals with higher neighborhood adversity had higher depression (B=0.051, CI=(0.011–0.091) and (B=0.045, CI=(0.004–0.086) anxiety symptoms. Poorer aesthetic quality was associated with depression and anxiety symptoms, and higher crime/unsafety was associated with anxiety symptoms. Social support did not moderate these relationships.

Conclusion

Neighborhood adversity is a potentially modifiable correlate of poor mental health in low-income individuals along the U.S.-Mexico border.