International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

Kidess, George Ghassan Issa; Browning, Liam; Oska, Nicole; Hinchey, Liza; Saleem, Arwa; Knill, Sadie; Elhage, Malaak; Javanbakht, Arash

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-02-2024-0024

Arab Americans experience higher rates of mental illness and lower rates of treatment compared to the general population. While some factors leading to this disparity have been proposed, data in the literature remains lacking. This study aims to explore the mental health perspectives of Arab Americans living in Southeastern Michigan regarding barriers to mental health treatment, treatment resource preferences and telemental health preferences.Design/methodology/approachResponses were collected through an anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey from both Arab and non-Arab participants (n = 294, ages 18+) in Southeastern Michigan. Participants’ perceptions regarding mental health barriers, resource preferences and telemental health were assessed. Comparisons were performed between Arabs and non-Arabs, and among Arabs.FindingsCompared to non-Arabs, Arabs were less likely to seek mental health treatment from a therapist or a primary care provider and were more likely to not seek treatment. Arabs were more likely than non-Arabs to list fear of being called crazy by others and cultural barriers. With regards to preferences on telemental health utilization, no significant differences between Arab and non-Arab participants were found.Originality/valueThe results provide insights into Arab-American mental health perspectives, especially pertaining to mental health barriers, resources and telemental health preferences, adding a novel perspective on the mental health preferences of Arab-American subgroups, especially regarding gender and age differences. This study highlights the Arab-American population as a nuanced and diverse group, emphasizing the importance of future studies to show a more complete picture of Arab-American mental health.

Akosile, Wole; Tiyatiye, Babangida; Bojuwoye, Adebunmi; Antabe, Roger

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-11-2023-0105

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of media representation on the mental health of Australians of African descent during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analysing the media coverage of COVID-19 restriction breaches, particularly focusing on individuals from African backgrounds, the study aims to shed light on how racially charged narratives can contribute to emotional distress and exacerbate feelings of alienation within these communities. The findings highlight the detrimental effects of such portrayals, emphasising the need for more responsible and inclusive media reporting to safeguard the mental well-being of culturally and linguistically diverse populations.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed media content analysis to explore representations of Australians of African origin versus the broader Anglo–Australian population during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on racial identity’s impact on news coverage of COVID-19 restriction breaches. Researchers classified and distilled extensive textual content, using a diverse sample from various ethnic-racial backgrounds, with an emphasis on African Australians within the CALD community. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo (version 12) software, following an inductive approach.FindingsThe findings underscore the consistent portrayal of people from African communities as outsiders and the racial profiling they experience in media coverage of significant issues like COVID-19.Originality/valueThere is very limited research that examines the impact of media coverage on African migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fiscone, Chiara; Vigliaroni, Marzia; Veronese, Guido

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-08-2023-0076

Sub-Saharan forced migration in recent decades has reached alarming levels, significantly increasing the risk to develop mental health vulnerabilities due to traumatic events and postmigration stressors. Research gaps persist within this population, necessitating culturally sensitive studies within a socioecological framework. This pilot exploratory mixed-method study aims to investigate the quality of life and subjective well-being among African displaced individuals in Niger.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 119 African displaced adults (M = 26; SD = ±7.8) were administered WHOQOL-BREF to assess the quality of life (objective well-being) and Perma profiler and SWLS to assess subjective well-being, and 20 (M = 30.8; SD = ±7.4) of the previously assessed participants were in-depth interviewed to record their life stories, and transcripts were analyzed throughout thematic content analysis.FindingsQuantitative results showed that all domains of quality of life, subjective well-being and life satisfaction scored below the African normative population levels. Particularly, environment, positive emotions and accomplishments in life were consistently below the normative mean score. The most affected dimension was life satisfaction. Qualitative findings revealed three main themes: potentially stressful or traumatic events that occurred to migrants and refugees, well-being as a continuum and the multiple meanings of forced migration, explaining the multiple burdens and resources that displaced people, affecting their subjective and objective well-being.Originality/valueThis study contributes to addressing mental health gaps among sub-Saharan forced migrants through a unique combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis, offering insights into their experiences within the context of forced migration and resettlement.

Devereux, Chloe; Yohani, Sophie; Tremblay, Melissa; Nour Eddin, Joud

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2024-0026

Since March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted refugees by compounding preexisting and systemic health, social and economic inequities. In Canada, approximately 50,000 Syrian refugees arrived between 2015 and 2020 and were in the process of rebuilding their lives when the pandemic started. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for Syrian refugees in Canada and identify supports needed.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on frameworks for refugee psychosocial adaptation and social integration and a qualitative descriptive design, the study used thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with 10 Syrians.FindingsFindings indicated four themes that provide a snapshot of impacts relatively early in the pandemic: facing ongoing development, inequity and insecurity during integration; disruption of settlement, integration and adaptation due to the pandemic; ongoing adaptation and resilience during integration in Canada; and ongoing needs and solutions for integration and adaptation.Originality/valueThis study builds upon growing research concerning Syrian refugees and psychosocial adaptation, particularly during the pandemic. The findings highlight the impacts of the pandemic on a population already facing inequities in a resettlement country. While the findings emphasize the resilience of the Syrian refugee community, the study also demonstrates the need for ongoing supports and justice-oriented action to fulfill resettlement commitments, especially in the face of additional stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for policy, practice and future research are discussed.

Mittal, Shalini; Anshu, Aditya

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-01-2024-0009

IntroductionLike many diasporas, the Tibetan diaspora has also had cataclysmic events and migratory movements and wish to return to their exiled homeland one day. In their countries of settlement, they face various challenges as they try to cope with their loss and adapt to a new environment.PurposeThis study aims to attempt to explore the socio-political construction of the mental health issues and coping strategies of the members from different generations of the Tibetan diaspora in India using the social ecological model as the theoretical framework. This study further aimed to provide suggestions based on findings to inform culturally sensitive care.Design/methodology/approachUsing the snowball sampling method, 20 Tibetans residing in North India were interviewed about their socio-political experiences. The obtained narratives were analyzed using thematic content analysis framework by Braun and Clarke (2006).FindingsFindings suggest that several socio-political conditions shape the mental health issues of the Tibetans that are inclusive of the acculturative stress, distress, intergenerational trauma and negative affectivity. A range of coping strategies, including spiritual-religious coping, collective coping and nostalgic coping emerged from the analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has few limitations that must be considered to accurately interpret the findings. First, the sample size is small and hence may not be an accurate representation of the entire Tibetan diaspora. Second, the study uses self-reported data that may be subject to personal biases. Third, having been conducted in a specific socio-political context, the findings of this study may not be generalizable to other settings or to the members of the Tibetan diaspora elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study will help spread awareness about mental health issues within the Tibetan diasporic community. The study will also help the mental health professionals to recognize the need for culturally responsive approaches to care. It also highlights the need to use the benefits of traditional healing practices, spirituality and cultural identity. The findings also will be relevant to developing interventions that are effective at individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels. The tailored interventions should address political issues surrounding the Tibetans, emphasize on their education and support cultural activities that can be essential for identity affirmation of these individuals.Originality/valueShifting focus: Instead of viewing mental health solely through a psychological lens, it recognizes the powerful influence of political and social forces on their well-being. Generational lens: It explores how different generations within the diaspora grapple with the complexities of exile and its impact on their mental health. Unveiling coping strategies: It goes beyond the diagnosis, showcasing the diverse coping mechanisms used by Tibetans, including spiritual practices, collective support and even nostalgia.

Islam, Farah; Qasim, Kashmala; Qutub, Amal; Ali-Mohammed, Saamiyah; Abdulwasi, Munira; Shakya, Yogendra; Hynie, Michaela; McKenzie, Kwame

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-04-2024-0046

The purpose of this study was to understand the unique mental health concerns and access barriers experienced by South Asian Muslim youth populations living in the Peel Region of Toronto, Canada.Design/methodology/approachFor this qualitative exploratory study, interviews (n = 15) were conducted with mental health professionals, educators and spiritual leaders (n = 11) who work with South Asian Muslim youth living in Peel Region, as well as with South Asian Muslim youth themselves (n = 4, aged 20–23). Interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsFour primary themes emerged from the data: challenges and stressors, barriers, facilitators and hope and recovery. South Asian Muslim youth navigate a number of unique stressors related to the domains of culture, religion and family dynamics, as well as the impact of migration.Practical implicationsThe findings stress the necessity of creating culturally safe, multilevel strategies to meet the nuanced challenges and diverse needs of South Asian Muslim youth communities.Originality/valueThis is one of the few papers to the knowledge that addresses the mental health needs and service access barriers of youth populations at the intersections of South Asian diasporic community belonging and Muslim faith in Canada.

Sweileh, Waleed

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-01-2024-0006

The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the research landscape concerning the impact of social determinants of health (SDH) on the health outcomes of international migrants.Design/methodology/approachLeveraging the extensive Scopus database, this study retrieved a total of 2,255 articles spanning the years 1993–2023. The framework for analysis used the SDH categories outlined by the World Health Organization.FindingsThe research landscape exhibited an apparent increase in the number of publications, but not a net increase in the research productivity. The USA emerged as the leading contributor to research output, with the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health emerging as the most prolific publication venue, and the University of Toronto ranking as the most prolific institution. The SDH category that received the highest number of publications was the “community and social context”. Migrants from different regions in Asia (East, Central and South Asia) and those from Latin America and the Caribbean region appeared to be the most commonly researched. Highly cited articles predominantly delved into mental health outcomes arising from discrimination and migration policies.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings proffer valuable insights for shaping future research endeavors, accentuating the imperative for diversified studies encompassing underrepresented domains, broader health outcomes and the inclusion of migrant populations from different world regions in investigative pursuits.Originality/valueThis study delivers a comprehensive analysis of the research landscape, unveiling critical trends in the realm of SDH and migrant health outcomes.

Efendi, Ferry; Hadisuyatmana, Setho; Malik, Gulzar; Ramdani, Wawan Febri; Has, Eka Mishbahatul Mar’ah; Erfina, Erfina; Mamnuah, Mamnuah

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2024-0036

Foreign nurses encounter various challenges that impact their mental health, but there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on these difficulties and the strategies to address them. This study aims to synthesize the available evidence to identify these challenges and the strategies to support foreign nurses.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review framework was used with an exploration of seven databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed and ProQuest Central) to search for primary studies. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research were considered for inclusion, with manual searches of reference lists for potential additions. Studies published between 2013 and September 2023, and written in English were considered for inclusion.FindingsAbout 22 of 1,077 identified studies were finally included in this review. Three distinct themes were identified as contributors to the nurses’ mental health challenges, and one theme emerged to highlight strategies to overcome the challenges. These contributors included the influences of diverse cultures, dynamics within the work environment, language barriers, separation from family and friends, heavy workloads and pressures, disparities in health-care systems and experiences of discrimination. Strategies identified to overcome the challenges were at individual, organizational and policy levels to support foreign nurses in navigating and mitigating stressors.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to assist foreign nurses in overcoming challenges that may affect their mental health and well-being. Moreover, strategic interventions are crucial to support them in addressing the barriers they faced.

Acha-Anyi, Paul Nkemngu

2024 International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care

doi: 10.1108/ijmhsc-02-2023-0016

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of internally displaced persons regarding their experiences with various human rights prescripts. This study also sought to contribute to the literature on the living conditions of internally displaced persons and narrow the gap in internal displacement studies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach and quantitative research paradigm were adopted in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 584 participants in Niger State, Edo State and Kaduna State in Nigeria.FindingsThe findings reveal that most of the internally displaced persons were youth, unemployed and had a strong motivation to meet their physiological needs. The empirical evidence in this study leads to the conclusion that the daily struggle of the participants to meet their survival needs overshadows every other human rights consideration among them.Research limitations/implicationsVarious practical and theoretical implications are inferred from this study including the imperative to urgently address the causes of internal displacement and provide urgent assistance to internally displaced persons.Originality/valueBesides the novel conceptual insights and empirical data, this study makes unique contributions to literature on internally displaced persons and human rights theory.