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. 2018:23:18-031.
doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-031.

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

Pedro Kremer  1 , Monica Ulibarri  2 , Natalie Ferraiolo  3 , Miguel Pinedo  4 , Adriana Carolina Vargas-Ojeda  5 , Jose Luis Burgos  6 , Victoria D Ojeda  6
Affiliations

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

Pedro Kremer et al. Perm J. 2018.

Abstract

Context: Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in childhood-adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)-are associated with poor mental and physical health.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ACEs and their relationship to depression among Latino migrants in Mexico, which has not been previously examined.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: 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.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Statement

The author(s) have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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