Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia

A qualitative study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7176459
AutoresNnaemeka Meribe (0000-0002-9800-3861, La Trobe University - Melbourne Bundoora Campus, VIC, Australia, autor de correspondencia), Obed Adonteng-Kissi (0000-0002-9324-7138, Edith Cowan University, Bunbury, WA, Australia), Kathomi Gatwiri (0000-0002-7794-6481, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia), Lillian Mwanri (0000-0002-5792-7785, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia), Frank Darkwa Baffour (0000-0003-4347-0275, University of Newcastle Family Action Centre, Callaghan, NSW, Australia), Agness C Tembo (0000-0002-2847-908X, The University of Sydney), Agness Tembo (The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia), Edith Botchway-Commey (0000-0002-0075-3382, The University of Melbourne), Edith N Botchway-Commey (University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia), David Chisanga (La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia), Ahmed A Moustafa (0000-0001-5971-273X, Bond University Ltd, Gold, QLD, Australia), Kerrie Doyle (0000-0001-6070-9685, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals), Kerrie E Doyle (Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, NSW, Australia), Uchechukwu L Osuagwu (0000-0002-1727-6914, Western Sydney University)
Año2025
Volumen71
Número6
Páginas1100-1113
Fecha de publicación2025-03-18
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Social Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0020-7640 • E-ISSN: 1741-2854
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00207640251323050
PMID40100036
OpenAlexW4408573744
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas86

Background: The health of African migrants in Australia is a largely under-researched topic despite the steadily increasing size of the population and its uniqueness. In particular, few studies have explored the mental health of African migrants in Australia or their utilization of mental health services. Aims: This study explored the barriers to mental health help-seeking among first-generation African migrants in Australia. Methods: In this qualitative study conducted using the hermeneutical phenomenological research approach, the purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. In-depth interviews with participants were undertaken online via Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp calls. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, utilizing a thematic analysis as the primary data analysis method. Results: African migrants were more inclined to seek support for mental health conditions from religious figures such as priests instead of seeking professional help. Religion and poor knowledge about mental illness were highlighted as barriers to mental health help-seeking. Participants also considered cultural beliefs, fear of stigma as well as the high cost of healthcare in Australia as significant barriers to mental health help-seeking among African migrants. Conclusions: Findings reinforce the critical need for culturally competent mental health services tailored to the beliefs, values, religion, and experiences of African and other migrant communities in Australia. Given the strong attachment of many African migrants in Australia to their cultural and religious beliefs, such services are essential for practical support and intervention

Environmental health · Help-seeking · Mental health · Mental illness · Nonprobability sampling · Population · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Sociology · Stigma (botany · Thematic analysis · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research