Mental Health Status of a Latin American Community in New South Wales

Abstract

Objective: To determine the levels and predictors of psychological distress within a Latin American community in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia. Method: Participants (n=184) were interviewed in their homes by a bilingual interviewer using a specially prepared questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results: Of the 13 independent variables examined, two demographic and two immigrant-related variables were significantly associated with an above-threshold score: marital status, employment status, perceived discrimination, and dissatisfaction with life in Australia. Conclusions: Compared to results from other community surveys, the levels of psychological distress within this Latin American community appear to be relatively high.