This article reports the results of a descriptive study conducted in Brisbane, the administrative capital of Queensland, Australia. Between December 1996 and July 1997, 139 Thai women completed a structured questionnaire to collect information on their general physical and psychological health, current diseases, the impact of these on daily activities, their use of health services, changes in social, reproductive and physical health, and social and demographic characteristics. Of these women, 17 also participated in in-depth interviews with the first author, which provided further information regarding women's own opinions and experiences of immigration and health. Mental health emerged as an important issue. Women described the feeling of sadness (mai sa bai jai) when being interviewed. Inability to communicate effectively in English and inability to gain employment were identified as important factors influencing psychological wellbeing. Lack of support and limitations in their relationships with families and friends, and limited options for information through informal social networks, affected their ability to address psychological problems. © 2001, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Mental health Thai cultural beliefs Australia migrant women

information processing immigrant Australia Thailand interpersonal communication mental health human wellbeing psychologic assessment daily life activity immigration social aspect Aged social support interview mental disease female risk factor questionnaire population research cultural factor employability Article health care utilization major clinical study adult emotionality migration Reproductive Health