Socioeconomic determinants affecting the access and utilization of depression care services in immigrants: A population-based study

BACKGROUND: It is imperative to address the health problems faced by immigrants in their destination countries in light of the current magnitude of migration processes worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic determinants of healthcare utilization in immigrants with depression. METHOD: A population-based cohort comprising all immigrants who were eligible for National Health Insurance coverage (permanent residents, marriage immigrants, and naturalized citizens) using the National Health Insurance Claims Database in 2011–2013 was established. Cases were defined as immigrants with new-onset depression. Controls were new-onset Korean patients with depression matched by age, sex, and Charlson comorbidity index in a 1:2 ratio. Appropriateness of care (AOC) was defined as visiting a clinic for depression management at least 3 times in the first 12 weeks and 4 times thereafter until 12 months post-cohort entry. RESULTS: A total of 2,378 immigrants and 4,756 matched Korean patients were identified. Of the immigrants, 30.0% achieved AOC, in contrast to 38.7% of Koreans (p < .0001). Adjusting for possible covariates, AOC was less likely for immigrants (adjusted OR (aOR), 0.760; 95% CI: 0.670–0.863). Medical Aid (aOR, 2.309; 95% CI, 1.479–3.610), rural residence (aOR, 1.536; 95% CI, 1.054–2.237), the presence of a psychiatric comorbidity (aOR, 1.912; 95% CI, 1.484–2.463), and visiting a psychiatrist (aOR, 2.387; 95% CI, 1.821–3.125) were associated with an increased likelihood of AOC in immigrants. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic determinants included insurance type (Medical Aid and National Health Insurance), place of residence, psychiatric comorbid status, doctor specialty, easy access to medical services (clinic-based), and a SSRI-based treatment regimen. Those predictors should be taken into account when developing healthcare strategies for immigrants.