Date of Conferral

4-7-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Srikanta Banerjee

Abstract

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that disproportionately affects immigrant single mothers in the United States, whose risk is heightened by unique vulnerabilities. The interplay between acculturation, social support, and economic burden in this population is underexplored. This quantitative, cross-sectional study examined the relationship between various factors and depression using 2020–2022 National Health Interview Survey data. Inclusion criteria were single immigrant mothers aged 19–60 years, who had lived in the U.S. for at least one year, had one or more dependent children, and self-reported depression status. The socioecological model provided a lens for identifying how individual, interpersonal, and structural factors contribute to mental health disparities. Complex samples logistic regression analyzed data from 635 immigrant single mothers. Lower acculturation significantly increased the odds of depression (p = .019), while higher economic burden also elevated the likelihood (p = .034). Though perceived social support was not significantly associated with depression (p = .114), social factors like socioeconomic status (p = .005) and education level (p = .029) were significant predictors, highlighting structural barriers contributing to mental health risks. The findings emphasize the interplay of cultural and economic factors in mental health risks, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address acculturative stress, social support access, and economic disparities. Future researchers should explore longitudinal effects and intervention efficacy to develop holistic approaches that foster positive social change by promoting resilience among immigrant single mothers and their families.

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