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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

25-04-2024 | Anxiety | Research

‘I thought we would be cherished and safe here’: understanding the multi-faceted nature of mental health among Arab immigrants/refugees in Ontario, Canada— the CAN-HEAL study

Authors: Sarah Elshahat, Tina Moffat, Basit Kareem Iqbal, K. Bruce Newbold, Mahira Morshed, Haneen Alkhawaldeh, Olivia Gagnon, Mafaz Gehani, Keon Madani, Tony Zhu, Lucy Garabedian, Yumnah Jafri, Nour Kanaa, Aya Mohamed, Naya Nadeem, Zena Shamli Oghli, Salima Zabian, Amal Shah, Asil Samhat, Sahiba Khaira, Hussyin Jelal, Jessica Kaloti, Sriyasri Varadarajan, Youyou Xu, Megan Laing

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Abstract

Purpose

Mental health (MH) is a critical public health issue. Arab immigrants/refugees (AIR) may be at high risk for MH problems owing to various unique stressors, such as post-September/11 demonization. Despite the growing AIR population in Western countries, there is a lack of AIR-MH research in these nations. The CAN-HEAL study examined MH experiences and needs among AIR in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

This study employed a cooperative community-based participatory research and integrated knowledge translation approach. The study used photovoice, qualitative interviews and a questionnaire survey. Sixty socio-demographically diverse AIR adults partook in this study. The research was informed by the “social determinants of health” framework and the “years since immigration effect” (YSIE) theory.

Results

The term “mental health” was deemed offensive for participants aged > 30 years. Participants proposed other culturally-appropriate words including “well-being” and “emotional state”. The prevalence of poor mental well-being in the sample was alarming (55%). Of first-generation immigrant participants, 86.8% reported negative changes in MH since migration. The negative changes are not straightforward; they are complex and dynamic, and mainly related to micro/macro-aggression, cross-cultural pressures, dissatisfaction with the health and social care system, and poor living conditions. Intersections between different socio-demographic factors (e.g., gender, length of residency, income, parenthood, religion) amplified the negative changes in MH and exacerbated inequities.

Conclusions

MH needs among AIR are distinct and intersectionality aggravated inequities. Culturally and structurally competent healthcare and structural/policy reformation are required to tackle MH inequities. This can be fulfilled through intersectoral cooperation and including AIR in decision-making.

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Title: ‘I thought we would be cherished and safe here’: understanding the multi-faceted nature of mental health among Arab immigrants/refugees in Ontario, Canada— the CAN-HEAL study
Authors: Sarah Elshahat
Tina Moffat
Basit Kareem Iqbal
K. Bruce Newbold
Mahira Morshed
Haneen Alkhawaldeh
Olivia Gagnon
Mafaz Gehani
Keon Madani
Tony Zhu
Lucy Garabedian
Yumnah Jafri
Nour Kanaa
Aya Mohamed
Naya Nadeem
Zena Shamli Oghli
Salima Zabian
Amal Shah
Asil Samhat
Sahiba Khaira
Hussyin Jelal
Jessica Kaloti
Sriyasri Varadarajan
Youyou Xu
Megan Laing
Publication date: 25-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-024-02668-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

‘I thought we would be cherished and safe here’: understanding the multi-faceted nature of mental health among Arab immigrants/refugees in Ontario, Canada— the CAN-HEAL study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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