Depressive and anxiety symptoms of Iranian immigrants in Denmark: a comparison

Introduction: The first aim of present study was to compare the differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms among Iranian immigrants in Denmark, Iranians living in Iran and native Danes. The second aim was to investigate interactions between ethnicity/location, gender and employment in depressive and anxiety levels of participants.Methods: The study design was causal comparative. The sample size was 720 individuals, aged 18 to 45 selected through convenience sampling. All participants filled SCL-90 and demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA.Results: Native Iranians reported higher levels of depression and anxiety than immigrant Iranians and native Danes. Unemployed and female participants reported higher levels of depression and anxiety than employed and male participants. Interaction between ethnicity/location, employment and gender was significant in depressive and anxiety symptoms of participants.Discussion: Lower level of anxiety and depression among Iranians immigrants in Denmark and native Danes in comparison of Iranians living in Iran can be related to better social welfare system and high levels of flourishing in Danish society.Declaration of interest: None