Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Depression among Immigrants of Working Age in South Africa, 2017.

Salmon Likoko, Department of Social Development
Mercy Shoko, Statistics South Africa
Lesego Lefakane, Statistics South Africa
Lebohang Molapo, Statistics South Africa
Moses Choeu, Statistics South Africa
Nkutloeleng Ramaipato, Department of Social Development
Marisa Lombaard, Department of Social Development
Monica Akokuwebe
Obakeng Dibakwane, Statistics South Africa
Julius Benn, Department of Social Development

Migrants are globally recognized as a vulnerable population. While there is substantial research on their physical well-being and access to healthcare, there is limited focus on their mental health, especially immigrant populations in South Africa. Immigrants often face challenges such as displacement, loss of family support, exclusion from healthcare services, and difficulties adapting to host countries, which increases their risk of depression and other mental health disorders. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and identify socio-demographic and health-related factors contributing to depression among immigrants in South Africa in 2017. Data were drawn from Wave 5 (2017) of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), a nationally representative survey. The sample included 26,934 male and 45,726 female immigrants aged 15 to 64 years. Depression, the study’s binary outcome variable (0 = not depressed, 1 = depressed), was measured using the CESD-10 scale. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses will be conducted to assess depression prevalence and its determinants. Bivariate analysis will explore associations between depression and socio-demographic factors, while multivariate logistic regression will identify predictors of depression among immigrants. The study hypothesizes a high prevalence of depression and aims to provide recommendations for inclusive policies.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Families, Unions and Households, Migrant Populations and Refugees

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