@article{Ambugo_34_8,
author = {Ambugo, Eliva and Yahirun, Jenjira},
title={{Remittances and risk of major depressive episode and sadness among new legal immigrants to the United States}},
journal = {Demographic Research},
volume = {34},
number = {8},
pages = {243--258},
doi = {10.4054/DemRes.2016.34.8},
year = {2016},
abstract = {Background: The impact of remittances on health problems like depression among immigrants is understudied. Yet immigrants may be particularly emotionally vulnerable to the strains and benefits of providing remittances. 

Objective: This study examines the association between sending remittances and major depressive episode (MDE) and sadness among legal immigrants in the United States. 

Methods: Cross-sectional data (N=8,236 adults) come from the New Immigrant Survey (2003-2004), a representative sample of new U.S. permanent residents. 

Results: In logistic regression models, immigrants who remitted had a higher risk of MDE and sadness compared to those who did not, net of sociodemographic and health factors. For remitters (N=1,470), the amount of money was not significantly linked to MDE but was associated with a higher risk of sadness among refugees/asylees compared to employment migrants. 

Conclusions: Among socioeconomically vulnerable migrants such as refugees/asylees, sending remittances may threaten mental health by creating financial hardship. Initiatives that encourage economic stability for migrants may protect against depression. },
URL = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/},
eprint = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/34-8.pdf}
}