Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Depression in Latino Migrants Residing in Tijuana, Mexico.

Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in childhood-adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)-are associated with poor mental and physical health.To determine the prevalence of ACEs and their relationship to depression among Latino migrants in Mexico, which has not been previously examined.A total of 110 Latinos aged 18 years and older residing in Tijuana, Mexico, completed interviewer-administered questionnaires, including the ACE scale (range = 0 to 10 items), at baseline in 2015. We studied the prevalence of ACEs (score on the ACE scale) and the presence of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between the ACE score and depressive symptoms.Overall, 82% of participants were men, and 82% reported being deported from the US. At least 1 ACE was reported by 64% of participants, and 33% reported 3 or more ACEs. Those who reported ever being incarcerated were significantly more likely to have 3 or more ACEs compared with no ACEs (56% vs 28%; p = 0.039). Symptoms of mild, moderate, or severe depression were identified in 14% of participants. In multivariate analyses, for each additional ACE item reported, participants were significantly more likely to meet criteria for depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.78; p = 0.002).Among Latino migrants residing in the US-Mexico border region, ACEs were pervasive and associated with depression symptoms. Programs and policies targeting migrants in this region should consider addressing both ACEs and depression.