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Post-Migration Stressors and Mental Health for African Migrants in South Australia: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Lillian Mwanri

    (Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Nelsensius Klau Fauk

    (Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
    Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change, Kupang 85227, Indonesia)

  • Anna Ziersch

    (College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia)

  • Hailay Abrha Gesesew

    (Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
    College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Tigray, Ethiopia)

  • Gregorius Abanit Asa

    (Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Paul Russell Ward

    (Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

Abstract

We conducted a qualitative study involving African migrants ( n = 20) and service providers ( n = 10) in South Australia to explore mental health stressors, access to mental health services and how to improve mental health services for African migrant populations. This paper presents the views and experiences of African migrants about the post-migration stressors they faced in resettlement that pose mental health challenges. The participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. To align with the COVID-19 pandemic protocol, the data collection was conducted using one-on-one online interviews through Zoom or WhatsApp video calls. Data analysis was guided by the framework analysis. The post-migration stressors, including separation from family members and significant others, especially spouses, imposed significant difficulties on care provision and in managing children’s attitudes and behavior-related troubles at school. African cultural practices involving the community, especially elders in care provision and disciplining children, were not consistent with Australian norms, compounding the mental health stressors for all involved. The African cultural norms, that do not allow young unmarried people to live together, also contributed to child–parent conflicts, enhancing parental mental stressors. Additionally, poor economic conditions and employment-related difficulties were post-migration stressors that the participants faced. The findings indicate the need for policy and intervention programs that address the above challenges. The provision of interventions, including social support such as subsidized or free childcare services, could help leverage their time and scheduled paid employment, creating time for effective parenting and improving their mental health and wellbeing. Future studies exploring what needs to be achieved by government and non-governmental institutions to support enhanced access to social and employment opportunities for the African migrant population are also recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7914-:d:850372
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shuangshuang Tang & Xin Li, 2021. "Responding to the pandemic as a family unit: social impacts of COVID-19 on rural migrants in China and their coping strategies," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Lillian Mwanri & Leticia Anderson & Kathomi Gatwiri, 2021. "Telling Our Stories: Resilience during Resettlement for African Skilled Migrants in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Daniel R. du Plooy & Anthony Lyons & Emiko S. Kashima, 2019. "Predictors of Flourishing and Psychological Distress Among Migrants to Australia: A Dual Continuum Approach," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 561-578, February.
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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.
    6. Steven Kennedy & James Ted Mcdonald, 2006. "Immigrant Mental Health and Unemployment," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 82(259), pages 445-459, December.
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