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Minority status and mental distress: a comparison of group density effects

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posted on 2023-06-09, 14:27 authored by P Schofield, J Das-Munshi, Laia Becares, C Morgan, V Bhavsar, M Hotopf, S L Hatch
Background It has been observed that mental disorders, such as psychosis, are more common for people in some ethnic groups in areas where their ethnic group is less common. We set out to test whether this ethnic density effect reflects minority status in general, by looking at three situations where individual characteristics differ from what is usual in a locality. Method Using data from the South East London Community Health study (n = 1698) we investigated associations between minority status (defined by: ethnicity, household status and occupational social class) and risk of psychotic experiences, common mental disorders and parasuicide. We used a multilevel logistic model to examine cross-level interactions between minority status at individual and neighbourhood levels. Results Being Black in an area where this was less common (10%) was associated with higher odds of psychotic experiences [odds ratio (OR) 1.34 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.67], and attempted suicide (OR 1.84 95% CI 1.19–2.85). Living alone where this was less usual (10% less) was associated with increased odds of psychotic experiences (OR 2.18 95% CI 0.91–5.26), while being in a disadvantaged social class where this was less usual (10% less) was associated with increased odds of attempted suicide (OR 1.33 95% CI 1.03–1.71). We found no evidence for an association with common mental disorders. Conclusions The relationship between minority status and mental distress was most apparent when defined in terms of broad ethnic group but was also observed for individual household status and occupational social class.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Psychological Medicine

ISSN

0033-2917

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Issue

14

Volume

46

Page range

3051-3059

Department affiliated with

  • Social Work and Social Care Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-08-10

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-08-10

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-08-10

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