TY  - JOUR
A1  - Ambugo, Eliva
A1  - Yahirun, Jenjira
T1  - Remittances and risk of major depressive episode and sadness among new legal immigrants to the United States
Y1  - 2016/01/27
JF  - Demographic Research
JO  - Demographic Research
SN  - 1435-9871
SP  - 243
EP  - 258
DO  - 10.4054/DemRes.2016.34.8
VL  - 34
IS  - 8
UR  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/
L1  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/34-8.pdf
L2  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/34-8.pdf
L3  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/files/readme.34-8.txt
L3  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol34/8/files/demographic-research.34-8.zip
N2  - 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. 

ER  -