Trauma, Depression, and Comorbid PTSD/Depression in a Community Sample of Latina Immigrants

Trauma exposure is frequently overlooked as a risk factor for psychiatric morbidity among studies with Latinos. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among trauma history, immigration-related factors, and mental health status among Latina immigrants. The current study used baseline data from a randomized clinical trial for the treatment of depression (Miranda et al., 2006) of 64 women with comorbid PTSD and depression, 69 with depression-only, and 61 with no Axis I mental disorder. Sixty-four percent of the sample was Central American and 75% percent reported trauma exposure. Multinomial logit analysis suggested fewer years in the US was associated with worse mental health status. Having a non-married marital status was also associated with worse mental health. Reporting four or more types of traumatic events was associated with an increase in the probability of comorbidity. These findings have important implications for future research and clinical practice.