A Scoping Review of Associations Between Ethno-Cultural Context and Mental Health in Canada

Abstract

It is unclear how ethno-cultural concentration of residential areas relates to the mental health of immigrant, refugee, ethno-cultural, and racialized (IRER) groups. Communities of higher ethno-cultural density are theorized to support IRER groups’ mental health via community supports, access to culturally/linguistically appropriate healthcare, and lower discrimination/stigma. This article reviewed quantitative studies that examined relationships between communities’ ethno-cultural density and mental health among IRER groups in Canada. Eleven of the sixteen reviewed studies (almost 70%) observed protective associations between ethno-cultural density and mental health; patterns were more mixed for studies with child populations, suggesting associations may differ based on developmental phases. Findings suggested there was more support in protective associations of higher areal ethno-cultural density with regard to community mental health of IRER groups in Canada.