• Akiko Kamimura, Nancy Christensen, Jennifer Tabler, Jamie A Prevedel, Usha Ojha, Silvia P Solis, Brian J Hamilton, Jeanie Ashby, and Justine J Reel.
• From the Departments of Sociology, Family and Preventive Medicine, and Health Promotion and Education, University of Utah, the Maliheh Free Clinic, Salt Lake City, Utah, and the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
• South. Med. J. 2014 Sep 1; 107 (9): 591-6.

ObjectivesThe study's purpose was to examine the impact of somatic symptoms and perceived neighborhood environment on depression using a comparison among US-born and non-US-born free clinic patients.MethodsUS-born English speakers (n = 99), non-US-born English speakers (n = 89), and non-US-born Spanish speakers (n = 158) 18 years old or older (N = 346) were surveyed at a free clinic that provides primary care to people without health insurance. Depression, somatic symptoms, and perceived neighborhood environment were measured using standardized instruments.ResultsUS-born English speakers reported higher levels of depression and a greater number of somatic symptoms than non-US-born Spanish speakers and non-US-born English speakers. Non-US born English speakers reported lower levels of depression and fewer somatic symptoms than Spanish speakers. Somatic symptoms and perceived neighborhood satisfaction were related to depression.ConclusionsDeveloping mental health services for patients in a free clinic setting is needed; however, because of limited financial and human resources, providing mental health services in a free clinic setting often is difficult. Community-based health promotion programs as supplements to efforts within clinical settings would be valuable in improving the mental health of free clinic patients. Future studies should implement collaborative pilot programs and evaluate health outcomes.

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