Psychosocial indicators and distress in immigrants living in Italian reception centres

Despite the high rate of migration to Italy, there are still no comprehensive studies of psychosocial distress in the different groups of immigrants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the psychosocial status of immigrants living in Bologna (Italy). We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 396 immigrants (313 males and 83 females) from Africa, Asia and eastern Europe (Senegalese, Moroccans, Tunisians, Pakistanis, Kosovars and Roma) using questionnaires administered by trained anthropologists. Except for Tunisians, the psychological distress and discomfort of the immigrant groups are low, and the perception of their quality of life and wellbeing is good. in the groups that have spent more time in Italy, the percentage of subjects wishing to return to their native country is generally higher. Immigrants living in Bologna exhibit a good psychosocial state and seem to have positively interacted with their new environment. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.