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Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia: A qualitative study

Author

Listed:
  • Nnaemeka Meribe
  • Obed Adonteng-Kissi
  • Kathomi Gatwiri
  • Lillian Mwanri
  • Frank Darkwa Baffour
  • Agness Tembo
  • Edith N. Botchway-Commey
  • David Chisanga
  • Ahmed A. Moustafa
  • Kerrie E. Doyle
  • Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Abstract

Background: The health of African migrants in Australia is a largely under-researched topic despite the steadily increasing size of the population and its uniqueness. In particular, few studies have explored the mental health of African migrants in Australia or their utilization of mental health services. Aims: This study explored the barriers to mental health help-seeking among first-generation African migrants in Australia. Methods: In this qualitative study conducted using the hermeneutical phenomenological research approach, the purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. In-depth interviews with participants were undertaken online via Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp calls. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, utilizing a thematic analysis as the primary data analysis method. Results: African migrants were more inclined to seek support for mental health conditions from religious figures such as priests instead of seeking professional help. Religion and poor knowledge about mental illness were highlighted as barriers to mental health help-seeking. Participants also considered cultural beliefs, fear of stigma as well as the high cost of healthcare in Australia as significant barriers to mental health help-seeking among African migrants. Conclusions: Findings reinforce the critical need for culturally competent mental health services tailored to the beliefs, values, religion, and experiences of African and other migrant communities in Australia. Given the strong attachment of many African migrants in Australia to their cultural and religious beliefs, such services are essential for practical support and intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Nnaemeka Meribe & Obed Adonteng-Kissi & Kathomi Gatwiri & Lillian Mwanri & Frank Darkwa Baffour & Agness Tembo & Edith N. Botchway-Commey & David Chisanga & Ahmed A. Moustafa & Kerrie E. Doyle & Uchec, 2025. "Exploring the barriers to mental health help-seeking among African Migrants in Australia: A qualitative study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 71(6), pages 1100-1113, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:71:y:2025:i:6:p:1100-1113
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640251323050
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lillian Mwanri & Nelsensius Klau Fauk & Anna Ziersch & Hailay Abrha Gesesew & Gregorius Abanit Asa & Paul Russell Ward, 2022. "Post-Migration Stressors and Mental Health for African Migrants in South Australia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Michaela Hynie & Annie Jaimes & Anna Oda & Marjolaine Rivest-Beauregard & Laura Perez Gonzalez & Nicole Ives & Farah Ahmad & Ben C. H. Kuo & Neil Arya & Nimo Bokore & Kwame McKenzie, 2022. "Assessing Virtual Mental Health Access for Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Levesque Client-Centered Framework: What Have We Learned and How Will We Plan for the Future?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, April.
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    5. Nelsensius Klau Fauk & Anna Ziersch & Hailay Gesesew & Paul Ward & Erin Green & Enaam Oudih & Roheena Tahir & Lillian Mwanri, 2021. "Migrants and Service Providers’ Perspectives of Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services in South Australia: A Case of African Migrants with a Refugee Background in South Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-21, August.
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