
Mental health is one of the most demanding issues related to the health of immigrants, as mental well-being is a highly culture-related phenomenon. Migration causes considerable changes in health-related risks and available care. These changes depend greatly on the migrant’s gender, ethnicity, social status and residence status.In this systematic review we will find out which functions and services have been proven to strengthen the mental well-being of first generation immigrants. Researchers from The Family Federation Finland have done a literature review on how different services and operations models affect immigrants' mental health and well-being.
The literature review included peer reviewed original studies from 2005 onwards found in seven national and international databases. The 88 studies that were chosen to be included in the systematic part of the review were ones that studied the effect that a specific measure, intervention or service had on mental well-being.
There is no absolute picture of immigrants’ well-being as compared to the well-being of the general population. Some countries and some groups of migrants present with more problems related to mental well-being and mental health than others. The inaccuracy of the picture is caused by methodological problems in the study, as well as the heterogeneity of the immigrant population and differences in countries of origin.
Interventions that affect mental well-being have been studied in particular in the United States and Canada. Thus the possibilities of applying these studies to the situation in Finland have to be carefully evaluated. Studies on intervention mainly deal with remedial mental health work, but preventative measures have also been scientifically assessed to some extent. It is, however, quite uncommon to carry out randomized controlled trials to confirm proof in preventative projects. Despite this, some methods can be regarded as justified based on available proof.
Measures that strengthen integration in general also strengthen the mental well-being of the entire population: support for employment, learning the language, lack of discrimination, creating and maintaining social ties and participation create opportunities for immigrants to control their own lives. Social support is an important preventative element as indicated by several studies on intervention. According to research, projects with a focus on community are achieving results in promoting mental well-being.
Within remedial mental health work results are achieved through measures that help people seeking treatment by sharing information e.g. online and via key people and group activities within the community. In order to succeed it is important to acknowledge cultural factors when organising mental health services, including services in the immigrant’s own language, using an interpreter, the staff’s transcultural competence and combining different forms of treatment. Most proof regarding the effectiveness of the treatments has been had on the effect of culturally adapted cognitive behavioural therapy and the use of narrative exposure therapy in particular with patients who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The most effective intervention treatments are those that take factors that cause everyday stress into consideration. When arranging treatment it is important that access to treatment is practical and culturally accessible. It is also important that members of the medical staff have good interpersonal skills and the ability to gain patients’ trust.
Details
- Publication dates
- Geographic area
- Finland
- Source
- Posted by