Predictors of psychological distress in low-income populations of Montreal

Theoretical perspective: Many epidemiologic studies agree that low-income populations are the groups most vulnerable to mental health problems. However, not all people in economic difficulty show symptoms, and it appears that having a social support network plays a role in protecting against the chronic stress resulting from conditions such as poverty. Objectives: The aim of the study is to clarify the relative contribution of social support to the mental health of low-income populations in two neighbourhoods in the southwest of Montreal: Pointe-Saint Charles and Saint-Henri. Methods: A random sample of 416 social assistance recipients in southwest Montreal and another sample of 112 people, drawn at random from the general population, were interviewed. The psychological distress scale used was the indice de détresse psychologique - Enquête Santé Québec (IDPESQ). The availability of social support components was assessed by using the Social Provisions Scale. Data were collected during interviews in the respondents' homes. Social support measures were entered into a multidimensional model including many variables identified as being associated with mental health. Multiple regression analysis identified the best predictors of psychological distress for the low-income population. Findings and conclusions: Among the 30 variables included in a multiple regression analysis, emotional support and the presence of persons perceived as stressful together accounted for most of the variance in distress predicted by the model. Although younger people, people experiencing food insecurity and people with poorer numeracy show a higher level of distress, these variables make a fairly marginal contribution compared with that of social relations.