Chronic illnesses and depression among chinese immigrant elders

Bei Wu, Thanh V. Tran, Quartel Ayne Amjad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to explore the unique effects of various chronic illnesses on depression in a sample of Chinese immigrant elders. Methods: The data were collected in the Greater Boston area at various social service agencies, social, and religious institutions. A self-administered sample of 177 Chinese-speaking immigrant elders was included in the study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depressive symptoms in the study. Regression analysis was performed for three measures of depression: 7-selected CES-D scale, its subscale somatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Results: Chronic illnesses have various effects on the selected CES-D score, and its subscales under the total sample and the samples of male and female respondents. Conclusions: The findings suggest that medical, psychological, and social work treatments or interventions for depression should take the impact of chronic illnesses into consideration.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)79-95
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Gerontological Social Work
Volume43
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 14 2004

Keywords

  • Arthritis
  • Back/neck pain
  • CES-D scale
  • Chinese immigrant elders
  • Chronic illnesses
  • Depression
  • Depressive affect
  • Gender
  • Physical health
  • Somatic symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Chronic illnesses and depression among chinese immigrant elders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this