Mental health and well-being of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta, Canada
Abstract
The aim of this study was to delve into the experiences of African immigrant women in Southern Alberta and the ensuing impact on mental health. Employing an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 African immigrant women living in Lethbridge or Calgary, AB. Thematic analysis revealed that these women encountered intersecting challenges in Canada stemming from factors such as race, gender, social class, and immigration status, leading to negative effects on their mental health. Nevertheless, the participants employed various coping strategies to alleviate these challenges, with culture playing a significant role in shaping perceptions and coping mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of implementing culturally safe programs by stakeholders, policy makers, and mental health practitioners to facilitate the successful transition and integration of African Immigrant women into their new environment.
Notes
Key findings:
1) The overarching theme of the interviews was “The necessity of finding ways to survive in the face of intersecting challenges.”
2) The subtheme “struggles in Canada” discussed structural barriers to economic success, compounded discrimination across intersectional identities, and the burden of the double gender duty.
3) The subtheme “consequences” discussed the psychological and social impacts of the above on the women.
4) The subtheme “surviving the storm” discussed finding new extended supports and family in Canada, resilience and strength through adversity, survival through spiritual support, becoming bicultural and proactive problem solving.
Key populations: African immigrant women in Southern Alberta
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
The majority of participants were already Canadian citizens, so findings may have changed if the women had more variance in immigration status.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key recommendations:
1) Create knowledge translation and education sessions for immigrant women, service providers, and policy makers regarding these findings.
2) Further explore how African immigrant women’s cultural perspectives of mental health influence their mental health symptoms and their use of mental health services.
Location: Lethbridge and Calgary, AB
Open access: Yes