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A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Facilitators to Accessing and Utilising Mental Health Services amongst Sri Lankan Australians

Author

Listed:
  • Amanda Daluwatta

    (Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Kathryn Fletcher

    (Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Chris Ludlow

    (Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Ariane Virgona

    (Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia)

  • Greg Murray

    (Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
    Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Many individuals with mental health conditions avoid, delay, discontinue, or do not seek mental health services and treatments, despite the existence of evidence-based treatments and support methods. Little is known about the barriers to mental health service utilisation for Sri Lankan Australians, and there is no research on factors that facilitate access for this group. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study explored the perspectives of Sri Lankan Australians ( N = 262) on the facilitators of mental health service utilisation. Participants rated a set of 18-items (Facilitator Set) and 7 public health interventions (Intervention Set) in relation to their capacity to improve the uptake of mental health services. Participants also completed two open-ended questions about the enablers to seeking professional mental health care. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise quantitative findings, while open-text responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The Facilitator Set demonstrated that trust in the provider and their confidentiality processes, positive relationships with mental health professionals, and the community having positive attitudes towards seeking help were the primary facilitators to seeking professional help. The Intervention Set suggested that raising community awareness of mental health conditions and providing public stigma reduction interventions may increase access to care. Themes identified in the open-ended responses included access to culturally safe and responsive services and clinicians, improved accessibility and affordability of services, trust, and a community-based approach to increasing mental health literacy and addressing stigma beliefs. Within its limitations, the present study’s findings suggest that providing culturally safe and responsive care, dispelling mental health stigma, and increasing knowledge of mental health conditions within Sri Lankan Australian communities are potential facilitating factors that would enable Sri Lankan Australians to seek and use mental health services. Implications for clinical care and future research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Daluwatta & Kathryn Fletcher & Chris Ludlow & Ariane Virgona & Greg Murray, 2023. "A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Facilitators to Accessing and Utilising Mental Health Services amongst Sri Lankan Australians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:7:p:5425-:d:1117481
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Planey, Arrianna M. & Smith, Shardé McNeil & Moore, Stephanie & Walker, Taylor D., 2019. "Barriers and facilitators to mental health help-seeking among African American youth and their families: A systematic review study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 190-200.
    2. Amanda Daluwatta & Dushan Peiris & Kathryn Fletcher & Chris Ludlow & Greg Murray, 2022. "Can Sri Lankan Australians Recognise Depression? The Influence of Acculturation, Age and Experiences with Depression on Recognition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    3. 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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