Knowledge of depression and depression related stigma in immigrants from former Yugoslavia

The aim of the current research was to assess and compare level of depression literacy and level of depression related stigma in first generation immigrants from former Yugoslavia (FY) with a same aged Anglo Australian (AA) sample. The community sample comprised of 54 immigrants born in the FY and 54 AA born participants living in Melbourne. Participants were recruited through various social and recreational clubs. All participants completed questionnaires assessing depression literacy, self and perceived stigma and level of acculturation for the immigrants from FY in an interview format. After controlling for level of education, immigrants from the FY demonstrated lower depression literacy and higher personal and perceived depression stigma scores compared to the AA participants. The findings provide further insight to potential barriers impeding access to mental health care in immigrant populations living in Australia. Implications for mental health professionals working with immigrant populations in Australia are discussed.