Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 25, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 94-127

A systematic review of factors affecting migrant attitudes towards seeking psychological help (Article)

Selkirk M.* , Quayle E. , Rothwell N.
  • a National Health Service (NHS) Lothian, United States
  • b University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • c National Health Service (NHS) Lothian, United States

Abstract

Research indicates that service utilization rates in migrant groups are low, although levels of distress appear high when compared with host populations. This paper systematically reviews quantitative and qualitative literature on factors associated with attitudes toward seeking psychological help among working age migrants. Data were extracted from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Science Direct and SAGE databases. Eight quantitative studies and 16 qualitative studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The majority of studies were conducted in North America (67%). Although results of quantitative studies were heterogeneous, stronger identification with host than heritage culture, fluency in host country language, psychological attributions of distress, higher educational levels, higher socioeconomic status, female gender, and older age were associated with more favourable attitudes toward help-seeking in some migrant groups. Three major themes emerged from the qualitative literature: logistical barriers, cultural mismatch between service providers and participants, and preferences for other sources of assistance. © Meharry Medical College.

Author Keywords

Immigrant Help- seeking Attitudes Psychological

Index Keywords

patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care mental health service Transients and Migrants Mental Health Services attitude to health human Humans migration

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84893487572&doi=10.1353%2fhpu.2014.0026&partnerID=40&md5=5fc272e594cc995e6f20bb5a8bb5f7ad

DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2014.0026
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English