(PS7-C61) Differences in Depression Symptoms and Sleep in Students from Mexico and the United States

Literature on mental health among Hispanic versus non-Hispanic individuals is inconsistent and some evidence suggests differences may be related to place of birth, immigration status or level of acculturation. The present study explored differences in depression, insomnia and suicide ideation among Hispanic students from the U.S. versus those in Mexico, and compared these to other ethnic groups. It was hypothesized that non-Hispanic white and Hispanic U.S. students would have higher reported depression and insomnia than Mexican students. A sample of students (n=216) from a large Mexican university (M age = 19.30, SD = 2.59; 81% female); 180 non-Hispanic white U.S. students (M age = 19.61, SD = 2.66; 84% female); 76 Hispanic U.S. students (M age = 19.34, SD = 1.40; 79% female); and 75 non-Hispanic Other U.S. students (M age = 19.39, SD = 1.72; 84% female) were administered the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms to assess depression, sleep and suicide ideation. Non-Hispanic white students from the U.S. had significantly more depression and sleep problems than Mexican students (F (9, 1309) p < .0005; Wilk’s Lamda = .886), but no other significant group differences emerged. Hispanic culture may contain protective factors against poor mental health contributors like insomnia and depressed mood.