350 Depression Among First- and Second-Generation Migrants: A Population-Based Study in Ten European Countries

Abstract EP1.5, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 5, 2025, 13:05 - 13:40 Aims Migrant health is a critical public health concern in Europe. However, evidence regarding the mental health of migrants remains limited and inconclusive. This study explores depression among first- and second-generation migrants, focusing on modifiable post-migration factors across occupational, social, health, and economic domains. Methods We conducted an analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2020 Generations and Gender Survey, encompassing 64,650 adults in ten European countries. Depression was assessed using a truncated version of the CES-D-20 scale. Weighted prevalence estimates were derived for each country, and weighted population average logistic models examined the association between migration, sociodemographic characteristics, and depression. Risk ratios were calculated to evaluate the impact of modifiable post-migration factors. Results Depression prevalence varied significantly, ranging from 15.6% in Estonia (95% CI 14.6–16.6) to 30.3% in the UK (95% CI 28.9–31.8). Among first-generation migrants, aOR for depression were elevated in four countries, ranging from 1.23 in Germany (95% CI 1.06–1.43, p < 0.01) to 1.88 in Austria (95% CI 1.52–2.33, p < 0.001). For second-generation migrants, depression was associated with migration status in seven countries, with aOR ranging from 1.26 in the UK (95% CI 1.01–1.58, p < 0.05) to 1.91 in Austria (95% CI 1.45–2.50, p < 0.001). Factors including poor self-rated health, physical limitations, loneliness, unemployment, job insecurity, housing dissatisfaction, and low education were all significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. Conclusions Preliminary findings indicate that first- and second-generation migrants are at heightened risk of depression across most countries, with second-generation migrants experiencing more severe outcomes. Modifiable post-migration factors significantly contribute to this elevated risk, while the risk factor profiles for depression remain consistent between generations. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions that address the underlying social and economic inequities to reduce the burden of depression on migrants. Note This abstract represents preliminary findings and does not reflect the complete work.