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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
The Role of Stigma in Help-Seeking Strategies Among African Migrants in Australia: A Qualitative Study
International journal of mental health nursing, Vol.34(3), pp.1-8
06/2025
PMID: 40474444
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
African migrants living in Western countries often report experiencing high levels of stress, trauma and mental health conditions due to migration-related challenges, including racial discrimination, social exclusion and economic hardships. This mixed-method study that sought to explore to This mixed-method study explored the help-seeking behaviours of Africans in Australia. The quantitative study engaged 167 participants, who completed an online survey, and the qualitative aspect involved an in-depth interview with 12 participants. This paper reports on the qualitative aspect of the study, which was seen as essential to gaining deep, rich insights into the everyday meaning-making processes of how African migrants in Australia understand and interact with mental health services. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed two strong recurring themes on mental health stigma among African migrants in Australia. The findings are discussed in two main themes: (1) judgment, shame and isolation (both communal and internalised) and (2) 'madness' tropes of mental health. The study highlights the critical need for culturally sensitive educational programs to address stigma and enhance mental health understanding within migrant communities, emphasising the importance of health professionals' awareness of cultural dimensions of mental health to improve support and access to mental health services for this community.
Details
- Title
- The Role of Stigma in Help-Seeking Strategies Among African Migrants in Australia: A Qualitative Study
- Creators
- Agness Tembo - University of SydneyKathomi Gatwiri - Southern Cross UniversityObed Adonteng-Kissi - Edith Cowan UniversityNnaemeka Meribe - La Trobe UniversityLillian Mwanri - Torrens University AustraliaFrank Darkwa Baffour - University of NewcastleEdith N Botchway-Commey - University of MelbourneDavid Chisanga - La Trobe UniversityAhmed A Moustafa - University of JohannesburgSamara Kim - Southern Cross UniversityUchechukwu Levi Osuagwu - Western Sydney University
- Publication Details
- International journal of mental health nursing, Vol.34(3), pp.1-8
- Publisher
- Wiley; HOBOKEN
- Grant note
No Statement Available
- Identifiers
- 991013288048902368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Children and Young People; Social Work; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article