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The impact of acculturation on depression among older Muslim immigrants in the United States
- Authors:
- ABU-BADER Soleman H., TIRMAZI M. Taqi, ROSS-SHERIFF Fariyal
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(4), May 2011, pp.425-448.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Immigrant elderly Muslims in the United States face numerous challenges that arise not only from aging and immigration, but also from being an ethnic and religious minority in post-9/11 America. This study aimed to examine acculturation, physical and emotional health, and depression among older Muslim immigrants. A self-administered survey was completed by a 70 immigrant Muslim elderly recruited from 4 mosques and Islamic centres in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The survey examined the relationship between acculturation, physical and emotional health, health locus of control (LOC), life events and depression. The results showed that about 50% of participants reported a score of 16 and above on the CESD (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression) scale, indicating a high rate of depressive symptoms, much greater than that reported in other populations. Most participants identified with their heritage culture compared to the American culture. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed 4 significant predictors of depression: cognitive status; heritage culture; physical health; and internal health locus of control. These factors explain about 37% of the total variance in levels depression. Implications for community leaders, social work and mental health professionals, and researchers are discussed.