Resumen

ROJAS, Graciela et al. Mental disorders among immigrants in Chile. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2011, vol.139, n.10, pp. 1298-1304. ISSN 0034-9887.  doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872011001000008.

Background: Chile is receiving immigrant populations coming from other Latin-American countries. Aim: To determine the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among immigrants who live in Independencia, a quarter in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the primary health care clinic and in the state-funded school of Independencia. A representative sample of 282 adults and 341 children were interviewed. Mental disorders were diagnosed using CIS-R and MINI structured interviews. Results: The interviewed immigrants came mostly from Peru. The prevalence of mental disorders in the adult population was 17.8% and among children, it was 29.3%. Conclusions: The adult immigrants have a lower prevalence of mental disorders than the Chilean population but it increases among children. Barriers of access to health services, that should be solved, were detected.

Palabras clave : Chile; Emigrants and inmigrants; Mental health; Perú.