It is easy to find texts, in scientific literature, studying the adaptation of immigrants from developing countries in western countries. However, in these globalization times that we are living, few are the studies performed on members from developed countries emigrating to the third world.

To evaluate the factors predisposing to the onset of anxiety or depression symptoms in Spanish immigrants living in South Africa.

This is an exploratory study with a sample of 51 Spanish residents in South Africa between 24 and 57 years (44% male, 56% female), 44% of which were living there for more than two years. An online survey was administered, collecting data related to reasons and conditions for their moving to the country and traumatic events living during the stay. For the screening of depression and anxiety symptoms Hopkins Symptom Scale (HSCL-25) was used. Finally, we carried about several analysis using Chi2 test. For statistical analysis SPSS was utilized.

Thirty percent of the sample showed positive scores on anxiety symptoms scale, and 24% scored positive for depression. Job related items as being unemployed (P < 0.001) was associated to symptoms of depression. Insecurity/violence (P < 0.021) and race discrimination (P < 0.009) were the main factors related to anxiety symptoms.

Factor related to employment, security and discrimination, has been significantly associated to the onset of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other factors related to the moving to the country or social relationships have shown no relations. More studies are needed to provide information about adaptation and factors related to mental health in Occidental immigrants in developing countries.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.