Exploring access to mental health services by African migrants
Fifth-year Monash medical student, Phoebe Chen, has explored how to provide culturally appropriate models of mental health for African women living in Australia.
Completed as part of her six-week Scholarly Intensive Placement (SIP) rotation, Phoebe’s research highlighted that having different ideas of what mental health affects how it is managed, since the concept of “mental health” does not even have an equivalent translation in many African languages.
“This means that African immigrants are more likely to seek support from the family, community and religious practices before even accessing mainstream mental health services," explained Phoebe.
Phoebe chose to focus the attention of her research on African women, since they face unique challenges through migration which prevent them from seeking help for their mental health.
“African mothers are the heart of the family, so investing in their wellbeing not only supports them as individuals but also the communities they give so tirelessly to.”
Phoebe also found it very eye-opening to learn that spiritual causes could be perceived as contributors to mental illness, which reinforced the importance of learning about perceptions of mental health, asking questions such as: “What does mental health mean to you?” and “What do you think is causing your symptoms?”
The highlight of Phoebe’s research was visiting Afri-AusCare, a community mental health service for African and other culturally diverse groups.
“Having lunch with the community and hearing the mothers share stories of their lives strengthened my motivation and showed that my research could have a positive impact.”
The combination of barriers to mental health care and culturally appropriate models for African women has been little researched previously. Phoebe is working towards publication of her research, which will benefit understanding of not only mental health access for African women, but may provide principles or models to understand or support other culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
Overall, Phoebe found that her SIP experience helped her appreciate narrative reviews, as well as feel more comfortable with cultural safety and what it entails. Phoebe is also grateful for the support of her supervisors Dr Rochelle Hine and Dr Eli Ristevski from Monash’s School of Rural Health.
“They have been kind and supportive through structured weekly meetings and providing detailed feedback to help me write a narrative review I am proud of, as well as the encouragement of Bendigo SIP supervisor, Dr Cameron Knott, who gives great pep talks when you need it.”