Akiko Kamimura1, Jeanie Ashby2, Allison Jess2, Alla Chernenko3, Jennifer Tabler3, Ha Ngoc Trinh3, Maziar M Nourian4, Guadalupe Aguilera3, Justine J Reel5. 1. Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. akiko.kamimura@utah.edu. 2. Maliheh Free Clinic, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 3. Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 4. School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 5. College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: People of low socio-economic status (SES) are particularly at risk for developing stress-related conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine depression, stress, and coping strategies among uninsured primary care patients who live below the 150th percentile of the federal poverty level. Specifically, this study compares the experiences of impoverished US-born English speakers, non-US-born English speakers, and Spanish speakers. METHODS: Uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic (N = 491) completed a self-administered survey using standardized measures of depression, perceived stress, and coping strategies in the spring of 2015. RESULTS: US-born English speakers reported higher levels of depression and perceived stress compared to non-US-born English speakers and Spanish speakers. US-born English speakers are more likely to use negative coping strategies than non-US-born English speakers and Spanish speakers. Perceived stress and negative coping strategies are significant predictors of depression. CONCLUSION: US-born English speakers, non-US-born English speakers, and Spanish speakers reported different coping strategies, and therefore, may have different needs for addressing depression. In particular, US-born English speakers need interventions for reducing substance use and negative psychological coping strategies.
OBJECTIVES:People of low socio-economic status (SES) are particularly at risk for developing stress-related conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine depression, stress, and coping strategies among uninsured primary care patients who live below the 150th percentile of the federal poverty level. Specifically, this study compares the experiences of impoverished US-born English speakers, non-US-born English speakers, and Spanish speakers. METHODS: Uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic (N = 491) completed a self-administered survey using standardized measures of depression, perceived stress, and coping strategies in the spring of 2015. RESULTS: US-born English speakers reported higher levels of depression and perceived stress compared to non-US-born English speakers and Spanish speakers. US-born English speakers are more likely to use negative coping strategies than non-US-born English speakers and Spanish speakers. Perceived stress and negative coping strategies are significant predictors of depression. CONCLUSION: US-born English speakers, non-US-born English speakers, and Spanish speakers reported different coping strategies, and therefore, may have different needs for addressing depression. In particular, US-born English speakers need interventions for reducing substance use and negative psychological coping strategies.