Other Titles
Exploring Cultural Variations in Depressive Symptom Expression Among Young East Asian Adults in Canada [Poster Title]
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the cultural variations in depressive symptom expression between Young East Asian Canadian adults (YEAC) and their White counterparts, assessing the validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) across these diverse groups. Given the critical role of nurses in early detection and management of depression, understanding these cultural nuances is vital for developing effective, inclusive healthcare strategies.
Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with significant implications for public health, especially among young adults1. This group faces unique stressors—academic pressures, social challenges, and the transition to adulthood—that increase their vulnerability to depression. Nurses often rely on standardized tools like the PHQ-9 for depression screening2. However, the tool's universal applicability is questionable across culturally diverse populations3. This study aims to explore these cultural differences and enhance the cultural competence of depression screening practices.
Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design will be employed. Phase I uses qualitative methods, including the Think-Aloud Protocol and Focus Groups, to explore cultural influences on depressive symptoms in YEAC and White Canadian communities. The sample will include 24 to 32 participants, aged 18–24, recruited through community centers, universities, and social media. Phase II assesses the PHQ-9's psychometric properties using secondary data from a 2023 national survey with a representative sample of 65,000 respondents, focusing on young adults to evaluate validity across these populations.
Results: The study is in the recruitment phase; its anticipated outcomes include identifying key cultural differences in depressive symptom expression and assessing the cross-cultural consistency of the PHQ-9. These findings are expected to provide insights for nurses, guiding the development of culturally sensitive depression screening and intervention practices.
Conclusions: The expected findings will have potential to impact nursing practices by emphasizing the importance of cultural considerations in mental health assessments. This research advocates for the use of more culturally sensitive tools and practices, informing nurses on the effective administration of the PHQ-9 and refining depression screening and treatment protocols.
Notes
References:
1. Deady, M., Collins, D. A. J., Johnston, D. A., Glozier, N., Calvo, R. A., Christensen, H., & Harvey, S. B. (2022). The impact of depression, anxiety and comorbidity on occupational outcomes. Occupational Medicine, 72(1), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqab142
2. Ford, J., Thomas, F., Byng, R., & McCabe, R. (2020). Use of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in Practice: Interactions between patients and physicians. Qualitative Health Research, 30(13), 2146-2159. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732320924625
3. Thapar, A., Eyre, O., Patel, V., & Brent, D. (2022). Depression in young people. The Lancet, 400(10352), 617-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01012-1
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Instrument or Tool Development, Depression, Cultural Variation in Depressive Symptoms
Recommended Citation
Song, Claire; Havaei, Farinaz; Dahinten, Susan; and Hirani, Saima, "Cultural Variations in Depressive Symptoms Among Young East Asian Canadian and White Counterparts" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 15.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/15
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Cultural Variations in Depressive Symptoms Among Young East Asian Canadian and White Counterparts
Seattle, Washington, USA
Purpose: This study investigates the cultural variations in depressive symptom expression between Young East Asian Canadian adults (YEAC) and their White counterparts, assessing the validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) across these diverse groups. Given the critical role of nurses in early detection and management of depression, understanding these cultural nuances is vital for developing effective, inclusive healthcare strategies.
Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with significant implications for public health, especially among young adults1. This group faces unique stressors—academic pressures, social challenges, and the transition to adulthood—that increase their vulnerability to depression. Nurses often rely on standardized tools like the PHQ-9 for depression screening2. However, the tool's universal applicability is questionable across culturally diverse populations3. This study aims to explore these cultural differences and enhance the cultural competence of depression screening practices.
Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design will be employed. Phase I uses qualitative methods, including the Think-Aloud Protocol and Focus Groups, to explore cultural influences on depressive symptoms in YEAC and White Canadian communities. The sample will include 24 to 32 participants, aged 18–24, recruited through community centers, universities, and social media. Phase II assesses the PHQ-9's psychometric properties using secondary data from a 2023 national survey with a representative sample of 65,000 respondents, focusing on young adults to evaluate validity across these populations.
Results: The study is in the recruitment phase; its anticipated outcomes include identifying key cultural differences in depressive symptom expression and assessing the cross-cultural consistency of the PHQ-9. These findings are expected to provide insights for nurses, guiding the development of culturally sensitive depression screening and intervention practices.
Conclusions: The expected findings will have potential to impact nursing practices by emphasizing the importance of cultural considerations in mental health assessments. This research advocates for the use of more culturally sensitive tools and practices, informing nurses on the effective administration of the PHQ-9 and refining depression screening and treatment protocols.
Description
This study explores cultural variations in depressive symptom expression between Young East Asian Canadian adults and their White counterparts, assessing the PHQ-9’s validity. It aims to inform nursing practices, promote culturally sensitive depression screening, and enhancing global mental health equity.