Depression, posttraumatic stress of migrants and refugees in Germany – a cross -sectional study

Abstract Background Research shows associations between migration status and mental health conditions (e.g., depression). Yet, few representative data on migrants’ health are available. We aim to provide representative data on depression, and posttraumatic stress (PTSD) among migrants in a representative sample in Northwestern Germany. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study with two measurement points using a standardized assessment instrument in a representative sample of 18-65 years olds in Germany. Here we report on the baseline data. To assess socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, marital status employment status, household income and migration status) we developed a standardized instrument. To assess depression, we used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to assess PTSD we used the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ-5). To investigate associations of migrant status with depression, and PTSD we estimated linear regression models. Results The analytical sample for this study includes n = 437 (male: n = 181, female: n = 256) individuals (age: M = 44.48, range: 18-65). In the total sample 15.1% (n = 66) showed symptoms of depression, and 6.5% showed PTSD (n = 26). Depression was more frequent in migrants than in non-migrants (22.1% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.043; 66.7). Crude linear regression models showed statistically significant associations between migration status and depression (B = 1.998, 95% CI: 0.831; 3.165, p < 0.001), and PTSD (B = 0.204, 95% CI: 0.085; 0.333, p = 0.002). However, models adjusted for gender, age, marital status employment status, household income and migration status suggested significant associations between migration status and PTSD (B = 0.136, 95% CI: 0.009; 0.263, p = 0.036), but not for depression. Conclusions Longitudinal data are needed to better understand trajectories between mental health conditions, PTSD and migration status. Living situation after the migration is of critical importance for mental health of migrants.