Epidemiological Study Between Greek People and Immigrants with Regard to Diagnosis in a Greek Hospital in Athens

Abstract

Introduction

Differences between the most frequently reported diagnoses of Greek people and immigrants in Greece are expected due to the different underlying factors which are associated with mental health issues.

Objectives

Examine differences in diagnoses between Greek people and immigrants.

Aims

To investigate whether Greek people and immigrants had significant differences with regard to reported diagnoses in a Greek hospital.

Methods

The patients who participated in this study are 5551, among them 2760 (49.7%) were males and 2791 (50.3%) were females. The mean age of the sample was 45.54. The sample consisted of 455 (8.3%) immigrants and 5,042 (91.7%) Greek people. Convenience sampling method was used and the sample was collected at the General Hospital of Nikaia, “Ag. Panteleimon” in Athens, Greece, between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2015.

Results

There were significant differences between Greek people and immigrant with regard to diagnosis as χ² (20): 136.875, P < 0.001. More specifically, among Greek people, the most frequently reported diagnosis was psychotic disorder (26.2%), followed by depression (24.7%), general anxiety disorder (9.9%) and substance abuse (8.4%). Among immigrants, the most frequently reported diagnosis was psychotic disorder (22.9%), followed by substance abuse (21.3%), depression (17.4%) and general anxiety disorder (12.1%).

Conclusions

The differences between Greek people and immigrants with regard to diagnoses showcase the different needs between the two populations with regard to mental health. Especially, the higher prevalence of anxiety disorders and substance abuse problems among immigrants highlight the need for protective measures to improve their well-being and reduce their risk of mental health issues.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.