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Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Depression, psychological distress, and coping strategies among African migrants in Australia: a cross-sectional web-based study
BMC psychiatry, Vol.26(1), pp.1-11
07/01/2026
PMID: 41339814
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
African migrants constitute a significant proportion of the Australian population. While migration and resettlement offer opportunities, the associated stressors may adversely affect the mental health and well-being of African migrants. This study explored, for the first time, the prevalence of depression and psychological distress among African migrants in Australia and the relationship between coping mechanisms and mental health outcomes.
A web-based cross-sectional survey of adult African migrants in Australia was conducted between February and May 2022. Participants (N = 167) who did not have a refugee status who resided in Australia for at least 12 months were recruited through community groups. An e-link of the survey created in Qualtrics was posted on online platforms (WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook) and distributed via emails of community members. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessed mental health outcomes and the Brief COPE assessed coping strategies. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine the association between demographic variables, language ability, and mental health outcomes.
Most respondents (45.2%) were between 35 and 44 years of age and were proficient in English. Approximately one in three individuals reported higher levels of either depression or psychological distress, while 30.9% reported higher levels of both mental health outcomes. Age-specific rates revealed higher levels of depression and psychological distress among younger participants (18-24 years, 62.5%) compared to older age groups (55-59 years, 22.2%; p < 0.05, for both). Coping strategies, such as self-blame, self-distraction, and behavioural disengagement, were significant predictors of depression. Similar findings were observed for psychological distress, with self-blame, behavioural disengagement, and religious coping identified as significant predictors. Notably, language ability did not significantly differ between groups with varying levels of depression or distress. However, the distressed group was significantly younger than the non-distressed group (X² (n = 131) = -2.13, p = 0.03), while the higher depression group tended to be younger than the minimal depression group (X² (n = 124) = -2.67, p = 0.08).
These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues and promoting effective coping strategies among African migrants in Australia, particularly targeting young individuals.
Details
- Title
- Depression, psychological distress, and coping strategies among African migrants in Australia: a cross-sectional web-based study
- Creators
- Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu - Western Sydney UniversityLillian Mwanri - Torrens University AustraliaEdith N Botchway-Commey - The University of MelbourneDavid Chisanga - Monash UniversityAgness Tembo - The University of SydneyNnaemeka Meribe - Torrens University AustraliaKathomi Gatwiri - Flinders UniversityObed Adonteng-Kissi - Edith Cowan UniversityKerrie P Doyle - Western Sydney UniversityFrank Darkwa Baffour - Central Queensland UniversityAhmed A Moustafa - Bond University
- Publication Details
- BMC psychiatry, Vol.26(1), pp.1-11
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Grant note
- This research was funded by the Vice Chancellor’s Research Support Fellowship grant, Western Sydney University.
- Identifiers
- 991013334903302368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article