Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia: A qualitative study.

Advanced Search

Nnaemeka Meribe, Obed Adonteng-Kissi, Kathomi Gatwiri, Lillian Mwanri, Frank Darkwa Baffour, Agness Tembo, Edith N Botchway-Commey, David Chisanga, Ahmed A Moustafa, Kerrie E Doyle, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Author Information

Nnaemeka Meribe: La Trobe University - Melbourne Bundoora Campus, VIC, Australia. ORCID
Obed Adonteng-Kissi: Edith Cowan University, Bunbury, WA, Australia.
Kathomi Gatwiri: Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia.
Lillian Mwanri: Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Frank Darkwa Baffour: University of Newcastle Family Action Centre, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
Agness Tembo: The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Edith N Botchway-Commey: University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
David Chisanga: La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Ahmed A Moustafa: Bond University Ltd, Gold, QLD, Australia.
Kerrie E Doyle: Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, NSW, Australia.
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu: School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia. ORCID

PMID: 40100036 DOI: 10.1177/00207640251323050

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.

African migrants Mental health barriers cultural beliefs help-seeking religion

Journal Article

No available data.

OpenLB
Open Library of Bioscience