Depression und Angst bei älteren russischstämmigen Menschen mit jüdischem Hintergrund in Deutschland: Wie wirken sich Diskriminierung und Religiosität aus?

Abstract

Objective: There is a lack of empirical studies focusing on mental health in Jews from former Soviet Union in Germany. The influence of discrimination and religiosity on symptoms of depression and anxiety was investigated. Methods: 110 elderly Jews living in Leipzig and Halle/Saale were asked to fill out a questionnaire including information about their immigration background (length of stay, age at migration, and country of origin), perceived discrimination, religiosity and level of integration. Depression and anxiety were assessed with PHQ-4. Linear regressions were applied as statistical tests. Results: Participants who live alone and report higher level of perceived discrimination indicate higher anxiety and depression scores. Length of stay is positively associated with anxiety, as well as religiosity with symptoms of depression. Conclusions: Some results are similar to the findings of others international studies, some other findings underline the specificity of the target group. The influence of discrimination has been demonstrated, implications for further investigation, especially with attention to the integration of older Jews from former Soviet Union in Germany are given. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.