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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia: A qualitative study
International journal of social psychiatry, Vol.71(6), pp.1100-1113
09/2025
PMID: 40100036
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Source: InCites
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia: A qualitative study
- Creators
- Nnaemeka Meribe - La Trobe UniversityObed Adonteng-Kissi - Edith Cowan UniversityKathomi Gatwiri - Southern Cross UniversityLillian Mwanri - Torrens University AustraliaFrank Darkwa Baffour - University of Newcastle Family Action Centre (Australia, Callaghan)Agness Tembo - The University of SydneyEdith N Botchway-Commey - The University of MelbourneDavid Chisanga - La Trobe UniversityAhmed A Moustafa - Bond UniversityKerrie E Doyle - Western Sydney UniversityUchechukwu Levi Osuagwu - Western Sydney University
- Publication Details
- International journal of social psychiatry, Vol.71(6), pp.1100-1113
- Publisher
- Sage
- Grant note
- This research was funded by Vice Chancellor Research Support Fellowship grant, Western Sydney University.
- Identifiers
- 991013269202902368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Children and Young People; Social Work; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article