Mobilizing communities and families for child mental health promotion in Canada: Views of African immigrants
Abstract
Available evidence in Canada suggests children born to immigrants face a greater risk of poor mental health outcomes. However, these comparisons often mask important ethno-racial differences in mental health risks and outcomes among immigrant populations. Recent evidence suggests African immigrant children have some of the poorest social and mental health outcomes in Canada. Despite this awareness, research has yet to identify community-based strategies for addressing the stressors underpinning such outcomes. This study used data obtained from focus groups with African immigrant parents in Edmonton, AB and surrounding towns to identify child mental health stressors and child mental health promotion strategies in the African immigrant community.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
Study limitations included:
- Qualitative findings from one part of Alberta may not necessarily be generalizable to African immigrant communities in other areas.
- Parent perspectives were explored, but not those of the youth and children themselves.
- Economic migrants and refugee populations can differ with respect to the etiology of mental health vulnerability.
- Age differences and development stages of the children were not considered in the analysis.
Key populations: African immigrant parents, children and families living in Edmonton and surrounding towns
Key recommendations: Redesign programs, policies and structures in the mental healthcare system to better address social determinants of health as well as the unique experiences of African immigrants.
Open access: No
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
Strategies to promote child mental health of African immigrants were separated into family, community, and structural-level interventions which included:
- Building supportive parent–child relationships
- Strengthening resilience in childhood
- Economic empowerment of families
- Destigmatizing mental illness
- Influencing institutional policies and practices
- Supporting labour integration
- Enhancing access to mental health supports
Location: Edmonton, AB and surrounding towns
