Presentation Information
[SY-107-01]From a survey on mental health and related needs of foreigners living in Japan
*Takahiro Nemoto1,2, Eriko Fukui2, Janice Yusze Tsoh3 (1.Department of Psychiatry and Implementation Science, Toho University Faculty of Medicine(Japan), 2.Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine(Japan), 3.Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine(United States of America))
Keywords:
Social psychiatry,Immigrant,Well-being,Mental health,Japan
Objective: Japan’s declining birth rates, aging population, and labor shortages have led to rapid immigration growth. This study investigated the mental health and well-being of immigrants in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.
Method: Collaborating with community organizations supporting immigrants, we conducted an online survey from April to June 2024 among adult immigrants (18+) who had lived in Japan for over three months and resided, worked, or studied in Kawaguchi City. Participants completed the survey in Chinese, English or Japanese. Mental health symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ4), a score of 3+ indicated elevated depressive or anxiety symptoms over the past 2 weeks. Multiple logistic regression identified correlates of elevated PHQ4 scores.
Results: The study sample (N=185) included 64% under age of 40 (age range: 18-79), 48.2% were women, and 79% were Chinese nationals. Over half (58%) reported very good health and 17% self-reported a mental health condition (predominantly anxiety disorders and depression); 40% had elevated PHQ4 scores. Most (86%) were unaware of the resources for or never thought about seeking mental health care. Correlates of elevated PHQ4 score included age under 30 compared to those who were 30-39 (Odds Ratio [OR]=3.17 [95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.03, 9.72) or 40-49 years old (OR=4.11; 95%CI: 1.07, 15.73), who were divorced or widowed (OR=12.33; 95%CI: 1.72, 88.30), self-reported a mental health condition (OR=7.33; 95%CI: 2.45, 21.95) and more experiences of discrimination (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.003, 1.16). Protective factors included good self-rated health (OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.14), higher perceived social support (OR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.63), and higher acculturation (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89, 0.99).
Conclusions: Findings highlight strengths and vulnerabilities associated with self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms. Most immigrants were unaware of mental health resources despite prevalent elevated symptoms. Early intervention, community education and greater awareness of accessible mental health support are crucial.
Method: Collaborating with community organizations supporting immigrants, we conducted an online survey from April to June 2024 among adult immigrants (18+) who had lived in Japan for over three months and resided, worked, or studied in Kawaguchi City. Participants completed the survey in Chinese, English or Japanese. Mental health symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ4), a score of 3+ indicated elevated depressive or anxiety symptoms over the past 2 weeks. Multiple logistic regression identified correlates of elevated PHQ4 scores.
Results: The study sample (N=185) included 64% under age of 40 (age range: 18-79), 48.2% were women, and 79% were Chinese nationals. Over half (58%) reported very good health and 17% self-reported a mental health condition (predominantly anxiety disorders and depression); 40% had elevated PHQ4 scores. Most (86%) were unaware of the resources for or never thought about seeking mental health care. Correlates of elevated PHQ4 score included age under 30 compared to those who were 30-39 (Odds Ratio [OR]=3.17 [95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.03, 9.72) or 40-49 years old (OR=4.11; 95%CI: 1.07, 15.73), who were divorced or widowed (OR=12.33; 95%CI: 1.72, 88.30), self-reported a mental health condition (OR=7.33; 95%CI: 2.45, 21.95) and more experiences of discrimination (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.003, 1.16). Protective factors included good self-rated health (OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.14), higher perceived social support (OR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.63), and higher acculturation (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89, 0.99).
Conclusions: Findings highlight strengths and vulnerabilities associated with self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms. Most immigrants were unaware of mental health resources despite prevalent elevated symptoms. Early intervention, community education and greater awareness of accessible mental health support are crucial.