MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND MIGRATION CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANTS IN SERGIPE, BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and migration profiles, as well as the mental health indicators, of international immigrants residing in Sergipe, taking into account their distribution by sex. Method: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with 200 international immigrants residing in Sergipe between March 2019 and August 2023. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-27 (HSC-27), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). We analyzed sociodemographic and migration characteristics, self-reported emotional manifestations, and indicators of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data were presented as absolute and relative frequencies, and tests were conducted to assess associations between gender and mental health indicators. Results: There was a predominance of males (66.5%), participants aged 31 to 49 years (44.0%), those with irregular immigration status (91.5%), and those with low proficiency in Portuguese (51.0%). The main reason for immigration was work (48.0%). Excessive worry, tension or nervousness, and headaches were common emotional manifestations. Symptoms consistent with PTSD were identified in 15.5% of participants, depressive symptoms in 5.5%, and anxiety symptoms in 8.5%. No statistically significant associations were observed between gender and the mental health indicators assessed. Conclusion: The findings highlight the presence of manifestations of emotional distress in a context marked by migratory and linguistic vulnerabilities. The results underscore the importance of culturally sensitive care practices, accessible communication, and timely identification of immigrants’ mental health needs.