Depressive Symptoms Among Mothers With Young Children-The Role Of Family Migration And Social Networks In Mexico

Background:Women who remain in migratory sending communities as their family members migrate internationally are at risk for depression. Limited research examines the association between the number of absent household members and a woman's mental health. Aims:This study examines the association between residing in a migrant household and depressive symptoms for women in Mexico while accounting for social networks and social support. Methods:Logistic regression analysis was employed using the Social Networks and Health Information Survey (SNHIS) (n = 320), a random household survey conducted in a medium-sized municipality in Guanajuato, Mexico. Results:Multivariate results suggest that residing in a household with two or more migrants was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms, while having immediate kin in the community reduced the odds of depressive symptoms. Social relationships in the community and social support were associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms. Their inclusion in the models reduced the significance of but did not significantly mediate the association between residing in a household with multiple migrants and depressive symptoms. Conclusions:Services aimed at improving women's health should target women who reside in households with multiple migrants and focus on reducing the stress and mental health impacts associated with these relationships.