Refereed Publications

1. Wu, B. and Tran, T. V. and Amjad, Q.-A., Chronic illnesses and depression among Chinese immigrant elders, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, vol. 43 no. 2/3 (2004), pp. 79-95, ISSN 1540-4048 [login.aspx], [doi]
   (last updated on 2011/01/19)

   Abstract:
   Objectives: The purpose of the study is to explore the unique effects of various chronic illnesses on depression in a sample of Chinese immigrant elders. Methods: The data were collected in the Greater Boston area at various social service agencies, social, and religious institutions. A self-administered sample of 177 Chinese-speaking immigrant elders was included in the study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depressive symptoms in the study. Regression analysis was performed for three measures of depression: 7-selected CES-D scale, its subscale somatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Results: Chronic ill- nesses have various effects on the selected CES-D score, and its subscales under the total sample and the samples of male and female respondents. Conclusions: The findings suggest that medical, psychological, and social work treatments or interventions for depression should take the impact of chronic illnesses into consideration.

   Keywords:
   Aged • Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale • Chronic Illness • Depression • Depressive Disorder/diagnosis/ physiopathology • Chinese Immigrant Elders • Geriatrics • Immigration • Major Depression • Massachusetts • United States