Understanding the Relationship Between Social Stressors, Trauma, and Somatic Symptoms Among Latina Immigrant Women.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Latina immigrant women are at increased risk for poor mental health. Little is known about factors associated with somatic symptoms, the physical manifestation of distress, in this population. This study examined associations between social stressors, trauma, and somatic symptoms. METHODS: This study used survey data from a community-based sample of Latina immigrant women (n = 154). We determined the frequency of somatic symptoms and used linear regressions to estimate associations of stressors and trauma with physical symptoms. RESULTS: Most participants reported mild or moderate levels of somatic symptom severity. In univariate models, all social stressors and trauma types were significantly associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms. A multivariate model suggested perceived stress was associated with increased somatic symptoms after accounting for other stressors and trauma. DISCUSSION: Future research should examine whether stress and trauma lead to higher levels of somatic symptoms among Latina immigrants.