Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Depression in Latino Migrants Residing in Tijuana, Mexico

• Published in: Permanente journal Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 18 - 031
• Main Authors: Kremer, Pedro, Ulibarri, Monica, Ferraiolo, Natalie, Pinedo, Miguel, Vargas-Ojeda, Adriana Carolina, Burgos, Jose Luis, Ojeda, Victoria D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The Permanente Journal 2018
• Subjects: Adult; Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - statistics & numerical data; Adverse Childhood Experiences - statistics & numerical data; Age Factors; Child; Child Abuse - statistics & numerical data; Depression - epidemiology; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Mexico - epidemiology; Middle Aged; Original Research & Contributions; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Transients and Migrants - statistics & numerical data; Mexico
• ISSN: 1552-5767; 1552-5775
• DOI: 10.7812/TPP/18-031

Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in childhood-adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)-are associated with poor mental and physical health. To determine the prevalence of ACEs and their relationship to depression among Latino migrants in Mexico, which has not been previously examined. A total of 110 Latinos aged 18 years and older residing in Tijuana, Mexico, completed interviewer-administered questionnaires, including the ACE scale (range = 0 to 10 items), at baseline in 2015. We studied the prevalence of ACEs (score on the ACE scale) and the presence of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between the ACE score and depressive symptoms. Overall, 82% of participants were men, and 82% reported being deported from the US. At least 1 ACE was reported by 64% of participants, and 33% reported 3 or more ACEs. Those who reported ever being incarcerated were significantly more likely to have 3 or more ACEs compared with no ACEs (56% vs 28%; p = 0.039). Symptoms of mild, moderate, or severe depression were identified in 14% of participants. In multivariate analyses, for each additional ACE item reported, participants were significantly more likely to meet criteria for depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.78; p = 0.002). Among Latino migrants residing in the US-Mexico border region, ACEs were pervasive and associated with depression symptoms. Programs and policies targeting migrants in this region should consider addressing both ACEs and depression.