Salud mental y estrés por aculturación en inmigrantes sudamericanos en el norte de Chile

• Alfonso Urzúa M ^[1] ; Osvaldo Heredia B ^[1] ; Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar ^[2]
  1. [1] Universidad Católica del Norte

     Universidad Católica del Norte

     Antofagasta, Chile

     
  2. [2] Universidad de Tarapacá

     Universidad de Tarapacá

     Arica, Chile

     
• Localización: Revista Médica de Chile, ISSN-e 0034-9887, Vol. 144, Nº. 5, 2016, págs. 563-570
• Idioma: español
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Mental health and stress by acculturation in immigrants from South America in northern Chile
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen

  • Background: Coping with changes brought about by immigration and social circumstances that often characterize this process may cause mental health problems. Aim: To analyze the relationship between acculturation stress and mental health symptoms in South American immigrants residing in Antofagasta, Chile. Material and Methods: The OQ questionnaire, which assesses mental health and the acculturation stress questionnaire from Ruiz, were answered by 431 immigrants (53.8% Colombian and 46.2% Peruvian) aged between 18 and 65 years old. Results: The major source of acculturation stress was distance from origin, followed by difficulties in social relationships and perceived discrimination and rejection. About 50% of respondents had elevated levels of discomfort in their life, with mental health problems derived from their adjustment to social roles and relationships. There was a high correlation between acculturation stress levels and severity of mental health symptoms. Conclusions: Immigrants are exposed to high levels of stress resulting in a negative impact on their mental health.