International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Volume 51, Issue 4, 2005, Pages 372-382

Help-seeking behaviour regarding mental health problems of Mediterranean migrants in the Netherlands: Familiarity with care, consultation attitude and use of services (Article)

Knipscheer J.W.* , Kleber R.J.
  • a Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, Netherlands
  • b Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands, Institute for Psychotrauma, Zaltbommel, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Ethnic minority groups differ in the pattern of their seeking help, and in their use of and attitude towards mental health systems. To meet the mental health needs of ethnic minority populations, insights into determinants of their help-seeking orientations are of great concern. Aim: To investigate help-seeking behaviour regarding mental health problems in terms of familiarity, attitude and service use among Mediterranean migrants in the Netherlands. Methods: Samples of Mediterranean citizens in the general population (N = 292) and of Mediterranean (N = 114) and indigenous Dutch outpatients (N = 59) currently treated in mental health care were included. Data were acquired by administering a semi-structured interview. Quantified data were analysed using multivariate techniques. Results: More recently arrived participants were less familiar with mental health services. Moroccan, lower educated and recently arrived respondents reported a more negative attitude towards consulting these agencies. The help-seeking behaviour of the Mediterranean participants was relatively similar to that of the indigenous Dutch subjects. Conclusions: With regard to care-seeking routes and use of mental health services, more inter-ethnic similarities than differences emerged. Sociodemographic variables like age, education and length of residence shape the process of help-seeking and service use. Copyright © 2005 Sage Publications.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Netherlands Cultural Diversity Mediterranean Region mental health service logistic regression analysis demography race difference human Health Behavior ethnic group mental health care Mental Disorders interview mental disease health program social status Humans consultation male female population research Community Mental Health Services Article health care utilization Southern Europe major clinical study awareness adult migration health care access Turkey data analysis Emigration and Immigration Patient Acceptance of Health Care quantitative analysis health care availability attitude to health health care need Morocco health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-29644438351&doi=10.1177%2f0020764005060853&partnerID=40&md5=2afea3591c6b90f04e331fca40475efa
DOI: 10.1177/0020764005060853
ISSN: 00207640
Cited by: 28
Original Language: English