Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2010, Pages 100-106

Knowledge of Determinants of Mental Health among Iranian Immigrants of BC, Canada: "A Qualitative Study" (Article)

Jafari S. , Baharlou S. , Mathias R.*
  • a Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
  • b Medical Council of Iran, 2754 Keremeos Court, Vancouver, BC V6T 1N5, Canada
  • c Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada

Abstract

Background When individuals enter a new community, they face many challenges in terms of adjusting to a new language, different customs and unfamiliar norms. These challenges may result in mental and/or general health problems. Objectives and methods The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain the mental health knowledge of Iranian immigrants and the impact of immigration on the development of mental health problems among these immigrants. Results Participants defined "mental health" in terms of psychological, social and emotional aspects and an absence of mental illnesses. Several immigration-related risk factors, such as lack of English, under- or unemployment, cultural differences, and lack of social support were revealed as barriers to successful acculturation. Conclusions Culturally sensitive and competent programs are needed to understand the needs of Iranian immigrants to be able to design and implement appropriate mental health programs. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Immigration Mental illness Iranian migrants Mental health Qualitative study

Index Keywords

information processing psychological aspect mental health human middle aged Adaptation, Psychological ethnology Iran interview Young Adult Humans Interviews as Topic Canada male Emigrants and Immigrants female adaptive behavior Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult migration British Columbia attitude to health Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77649237835&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-008-9130-x&partnerID=40&md5=009bea34ddc5e41d1ffded56c9ad05fc
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-008-9130-x
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English