Improving mental health referral readiness among providers encountering children from migrant backgrounds
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24239716 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Karima Viksten Assel, Ana Hagström (0000-0001-5585-2487), Ester Gubi (0000-0002-1165-0813), Vanessa Place (0000-0002-3648-4874), Sofie Bäärnhielm (0000-0002-5303-9166), Cécile Rousseau, Christina Dalman (0000-0002-3579-2357), Anna-Clara Hollander (0000-0002-1246-5804), Johan Åhlén (0000-0003-1415-2200) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 100452 |
| Publication date | 2026-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Migration and Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2666-6235 • E-ISSN: 2666-6235 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jmh.2026.100452 |
| OpenAlex | W7223140684 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
Introduction Children from migrant backgrounds access mental health services to a lower extent than the majority population. Referrals from external providers are a potentially important route to care for these children. We evaluated a digitally delivered training program designed to strengthen referral readiness among providers working in community services, health care services and non-profit organizations in a Swedish municipality. Participants’ self-reported knowledge, sense of self-efficacy, and attitudes were evaluated. Methods A longitudinal design was used, with a pre-training assessment and post assessments just after the training program and at a three-month follow-up. Data was self-reported by participants via electronic questionnaires. Results 189 respondents completed the pre-assessment and the assessment just after completion of the training, of which 65 completed the questionnaire at all three time points. Most respondents (n=129, 68%) participated in training for community services. Although all self-reported knowledge and self-efficacy items were significantly strengthened post-intervention, knowledge of the local primary care based mental health services’ availability and organization was particularly improved. The effect decreased over time but remained improved at three-month follow-up compared to baseline. Conclusion Uncertainty among referral agents about where to guide children in need of mental health support may contribute to preventing or delaying access to care for children from migrant backgrounds. Our results indicate that the training program has strengthened participants’ referral readiness, particularly their familiarity with local mental health services. Combined with other measures, improved referral readiness may be a valuable component in enhancing access to care for children from migrant backgrounds.
Cultural Competency in Health Care · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Migration, Health and Trauma
| Highly cited | No |
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