Ashley Scott, Zachary J Kunicki, Mary L Greaney, Clarissa Carvalho, Nicholas DaRosa, Chrystyan Oliveira, Jennifer D Allen
{"title":"Sociodemographic Variables Associated with Self-reported Access to Mental Healthcare Among Brazilian Immigrant Women in the U.S.","authors":"Ashley Scott, Zachary J Kunicki, Mary L Greaney, Clarissa Carvalho, Nicholas DaRosa, Chrystyan Oliveira, Jennifer D Allen","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01666-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01666-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brazilians are a rapidly growing immigrant population in the United States (U.S.), yet little is known about their mental health and access to mental healthcare. Our goal was to access associations between the pursuit of- and access to-mental healthcare with mental health status and socio-demographic characteristics among Brazilian immigrant women. We conducted an online survey of Brazilian women aged 18 or older who reported being born in Brazil and currently residing in the U.S. We recruited respondents via Brazilian cultural media, community organizations serving Brazilian immigrants, and social media. We assessed respondents' perceived access to mental healthcare, self-reported mental health (CES-D-10), and socio-demographic characteristics and conducted multivariable logistic regression. Our analysis included 351 participants. Half (52%) had CES-D-10 scores indicating high levels of depressive symptomatology. A third (33%) reported seeking care for their mental health in the past 12 months, 87% of whom reported obtaining care. Results of multivariable logistic regression determined that respondents who sought mental healthcare were more likely to have higher CES-D-10 scores (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.15), very low incomes (<$10,000 per year; OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.96), and were marginally more likely to have a primary care provider (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.00, 4.46). We found that despite a high level of depressive symptomology, only one-third reported accessing care. While difficulty accessing care for mental issues is a widespread issue, our findings suggest that efforts are needed to ameliorate mental health issues for Brazilian women to reduce systemic, interpersonal, and individual barriers to seeking care among the 13% who sought healthcare but were unable to receive it.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"224-233"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142983363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In Young Park, Cristina Gago, Natalie Grafft, Brian K Lo, Kirsten K Davison
{"title":"Parent empowerment as a buffer between perceived stress and parenting self-efficacy in immigrant parents.","authors":"In Young Park, Cristina Gago, Natalie Grafft, Brian K Lo, Kirsten K Davison","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01659-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01659-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>U.S. immigrant parents encounter various challenges during the migration and resettlement process, such as acculturative stress and dissonance in parenting practices between the cultures in the U.S. and those in their country of origin. Although studies have established a link between increased perceived stress and reduced parenting self-efficacy in U.S.-born parents, which could be alleviated by levels of parental empowerment, little is known about this pathway in the context of migration. Guided by the Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response Model and with a focus on low-income immigrant parents of young children, we examined (1) the association between perceived stress and parenting self-efficacy, and (2) whether parental empowerment constitutes a buffer between perceived stress and parenting self-efficacy. Participants included foreign-born, low-income parents (n = 680) with preschool-aged children enrolled in Head Start of Greater Boston. Linear regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between perceived stress and parenting self-efficacy. An interaction term between perceived stress and empowerment was included to test the moderating effect of each dimension of parental empowerment (i.e., resource empowerment, critical awareness, and relational empowerment). Results showed higher perceived stress was associated with lower parenting self-efficacy and this relationship was moderated by relational empowerment. Findings suggest that relational empowerment can be an important resource for immigrant parents with high stress and a protective factor to improve self-efficacy in their parenting. These results pose important implications regarding how healthcare professionals and clinicians may support parents, for example, through the development of culturally sensitive parenting interventions and the creation of safe environments for parent-to-parent relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"268-276"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142813172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Elshahat, Tina Moffat, Basit Kareem Iqbal, K Bruce Newbold, Mahira Morshed, Haneen Alkhawaldeh, Olivia Gagnon, Mafaz Gehani, Keon Madani, Tony Zhu, Emily D Gomes-Szoke, Lein Charkatli, Sherry Ing, Zena Shamli Oghli, Sara Emira, Nadine Al-Jabouri, Mohanad Abuzeineh, Hossein Motamed, Nujud Al-Jabouri, Emily He, Mariam Kilany
{"title":"'We Need Equitable Exercise Opportunities': The Complexity of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Its Relationship to Mental Health among Arab Canadians: The CAN-HEAL Study.","authors":"Sarah Elshahat, Tina Moffat, Basit Kareem Iqbal, K Bruce Newbold, Mahira Morshed, Haneen Alkhawaldeh, Olivia Gagnon, Mafaz Gehani, Keon Madani, Tony Zhu, Emily D Gomes-Szoke, Lein Charkatli, Sherry Ing, Zena Shamli Oghli, Sara Emira, Nadine Al-Jabouri, Mohanad Abuzeineh, Hossein Motamed, Nujud Al-Jabouri, Emily He, Mariam Kilany","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01664-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01664-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A growing body of evidence suggests that leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) impacts one's mental health (MH) positively. The suggested MH benefits of LTPA may present a promising avenue to promote the MH of immigrants/refugees, who often face various stressors that may impede their MH. The CAN-HEAL study aimed to examine LTPA needs as they pertain to MH among Arab Canadians. The study adopted a collaborative community-based participatory research and integrated knowledge translation approach. Three methods were triangulated: qualitative interviews, Photovoice and a quantitative survey. A combination of sampling strategies (convenience, purposive and snowball) was utilized to recruit 60 socio-demographically diverse Arab Canadian participants. The study was informed by an integrated bio-psycho-socio-cultural framework. Although participants were knowledgeable of recommendations and MH benefits of LTPA, a high prevalence of physical inactivity (87%) was found. Intersections between age, gender, socio-economic and employment status, length of residency, and immigration status were associated with substantial LTPA inequities and negative MH within Arab communities. Older adults and low-income participants reported significantly lower LTPA levels than younger adults and those with higher income. Female participants reported lower LTPA levels than their male counterparts. Study findings demonstrate that the LTPA-MH relationship among Arab Canadians is multi-faceted, with various LTPA-related bio-psycho-socio-cultural pathways/mechanisms influencing Arab Canadians' MH. Intersectoral collaboration is required to implement a co-created community- and political-level action plan to address LTPA inequities and achieve health equity for Arab Canadians and other similar vulnerable groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"303-312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142800783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shohra Qaderi, Jafar Shah, Farah Qaderi, Gloria A Bachmann
{"title":"The Hidden Burden: Unveiling the Cervical Cancer Burden Among Recent Afghan Women Immigrants in the United States.","authors":"Shohra Qaderi, Jafar Shah, Farah Qaderi, Gloria A Bachmann","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01655-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01655-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cervical cancer is a significant global health issue, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer among women of reproductive age. While prevention strategies like HPV vaccination and screening have made it highly preventable, these benefits are mostly seen in high-HDI nations. In contrast, LMICs lag behind, with Afghanistan facing a growing crisis due to war, poverty, and lack of awareness. The recent influx of Afghan evacuees to the U.S. poses a risk of introducing undiagnosed cases. Addressing this requires collaborative efforts to raise awareness, promote screening, and vaccination among Afghan women, leveraging culturally sensitive approaches and community partnerships to improve health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"400-401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142750745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ifeoma Maureen Obionu, Thembekile Shato, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Anne Sebert Kuhlmann
{"title":"Predictors of Contraceptive Use Associated with Foreign-Born Women in the US During the Preconception Period of Their First Pregnancy.","authors":"Ifeoma Maureen Obionu, Thembekile Shato, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Anne Sebert Kuhlmann","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01661-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01661-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Contraceptive use is the most effective means of preventing unintended pregnancies among sexually active individuals. Foreign-born women are less likely to use contraception when compared to US-born women. However, there are limited studies focused on understanding factors that influence contraceptive use among foreign-born women in the US. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with contraceptive use in the early reproductive lives of foreign-born women in the US. This study utilized the 2017-2019 National Survey on Family Growth to conduct a cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Analyses were restricted to observations from 708 women who identified as foreign-born, were aged 15-49 years, and provided information about their first pregnancies. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the factors influencing contraceptive use. 70.9% of the participants had used a form of contraception in the period leading to their first pregnancy. Multivariable regression analysis identified significant predictors of contraceptive use: educational level, age, religion, income levels, health insurance, and race/ethnicity. Those with a religious affiliation and were 25 years and above had greater odds of contraceptive use while non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic other/multiple race participants had lower odds of contraceptive use. Based on the predictors identified, public health interventions should be tailored to address specific socio-demographic factors that influence contraceptive decisionmaking among foreign-born women in the US. Additionally, understanding the disparities in contraceptive use across racial/ethnic backgrounds underscores the need for culturally sensitive approaches that acknowledge and respect diverse beliefs surrounding contraception.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"294-302"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142813151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Displacement Stressors, Trauma Exposure, and Mental Health: A Survey of Asylum Seekers and Refugees.","authors":"Robin Ka Ho Kwok, Grace Wing Ka Ho","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01668-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01668-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The mental health of asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs) is a pressing global concern, with complex trauma histories and environmental stressors contributing to heightened vulnerability. This study investigates the mental health and service utilization patterns of ASRs in Hong Kong, where unique policy landscapes pose additional challenges to this population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 100 ASRs in Hong Kong. Participants completed measures assessing displacement-related stressors, trauma exposure, mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD/CPTSD), and mental health service utilization. Participants reported high levels of displacement-related stressors and trauma exposure. The majority exhibited symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, with a significant proportion screening positive for PTSD/CPTSD. Despite high mental health needs, their service utilization rates were low. Trauma exposure and displacement-related stressors were significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes, but not with service utilization. ASRs in Hong Kong face significant mental health challenges, influenced by both pre- and post-migration factors. Findings underscore higher rates of mental distress in the present sample compared to prior studies in ASRs and other local surveys. While trauma-informed care is crucial, efforts to improve mental health service access and reduce systemic barriers are needed with targeted strategies and policy changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"208-214"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143006727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Refugees' Human and Social Capital and Health Insurance Coverage.","authors":"Young-Joo Lee, Taehyun V Won","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01663-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01663-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The lack of health insurance coverage is one of the most serious challenges confronting refugees and an important public policy issue. This study examines how refugees' human and social capital is linked to their health insurance coverage. This study uses the 2020 Annual Survey of Refugees public use data file to test the relationship between refugees' human and social capital and their health insurance coverage. 770 refugees who entered the U.S. between 2015 and 2019 are included in the sample. Health insurance coverage is measured in three different levels: no coverage at all, coverage with a gap, and coverage all year long. This study employs an ordered probit regression. The findings show that refugees' human capital, regardless of whether it is from refugees' home country or the U.S., is not associated with health insurance coverage. However, refugees' social capital, in terms of their involvement in religious organizations and their informal bridging network with people from a different culture, is positively associated with coverage. The analysis also reveals a gap in coverage once the initial government assistance ends, and refugees' paid employment and household income are negatively associated with health insurance coverage. The findings suggest that refugees' social capital in the new country plays an important role in obtaining the necessary information for healthcare access while the positive impacts of human capital on healthcare access may not apply to the refugee population. Therefore, resettlement programs should place an emphasis on helping refugees build and enhance social connections with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"215-223"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142813155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Su Myat Thin, Chamipa Phanudulkitti, Myo Thiha Zaw, Shinnawat Saengungsumalee, Bernard A Sorofman, Anuchai Theeraroungchaisri, Tanattha Kittisopee
{"title":"Determinants of Self-Medication in Immigrants: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Su Myat Thin, Chamipa Phanudulkitti, Myo Thiha Zaw, Shinnawat Saengungsumalee, Bernard A Sorofman, Anuchai Theeraroungchaisri, Tanattha Kittisopee","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01656-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01656-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immigrants intended to more rely on self-medication because of the difficulty of accessing formal healthcare in host countries. Negative consequences could occur when self-medication was inappropriate. This study aimed to systematically explore the prevalence, sources and determinants of immigrants' self-medication and the extent of their inappropriate self-medication episodes. PubMed, Scopus, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect were used for data searching. The search date was 10th June 2023, with no beginning date to limit searching articles. Thirty-two studies were included. The prevalence of immigrants' self-medication presented from 18 studies ranged between 20.2% and 94.6%. Major sources of immigrants' self-medication were commonly obtained from their home countries, local markets or shops, and informal networks. The determinants of immigrants' self-medication were systematically collated into four themes: (1) illness and self-medication perception, (2) access to healthcare and medication, including 6 dimensions: accessibility, availability, affordability, acceptability, awareness and accommodation, (3) worry, and (4) predisposing factors of immigrants. About 46% of immigrant's self-medication episodes were inappropriate, especially antibiotic use. About 66% of the included studies described antibiotic self-medication. Prevalence rates of self-medication among different immigrantsvaried based on different time frames, context of diseases and migrated countries. Immigrants' cultural health belief, facing significant worry about job security, legal status, and cultural barriers influenced their self-medication. When immigrants have greater availability, accommodation, awareness, accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of health services in host countries, they are less likely to use self-medication. The predisposing factors like age, income, work status and immigrants' language also influenced their self-medication.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"366-385"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142846861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexandria J Nylen, Giovanna Deluca, Bazif Bala, Jodi Sutherland Charvis, Joshua Ray Tanzer, Omar Bah, Adam C Levine
{"title":"Then, We Lost Everything:' Afghan Refugee Mental Health Challenges Post-2021 Evacuation.","authors":"Alexandria J Nylen, Giovanna Deluca, Bazif Bala, Jodi Sutherland Charvis, Joshua Ray Tanzer, Omar Bah, Adam C Levine","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01640-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01640-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"251-257"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11903503/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142927322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tim A Bruckner, Parvati Singh, Camilla Hvidtfeldt, Lars Andersen
{"title":"Involuntary Psychiatric Commitments Among Non-Western Immigrants During the Muhammad Cartoon Controversy in Denmark.","authors":"Tim A Bruckner, Parvati Singh, Camilla Hvidtfeldt, Lars Andersen","doi":"10.1007/s10903-024-01651-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-024-01651-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Persons deemed a danger to themselves, others, or gravely disabled may receive involuntary psychiatric commitment if family, other residents, law enforcement, or clinicians initiate this process. On September 30, 2005, a Danish newspaper published cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad. This publication led to the worst foreign policy crisis in Denmark since World War II. Whereas protests within Denmark against the cartoon remained peaceful, this cartoon controversy-including the attacks on four Danish embassies outside of Denmark-may have reduced societal tolerance for threatening or deviant behavior among non-Western immigrants. We applied Box-Jenkins interrupted time-series methods to test whether this cartoon controversy coincided with greater than expected counts of new involuntary psychiatric commitments among non-Western immigrants. The analytic period spans 48 quarters from January 1995 to December 2006. Findings support the hypothesis in that new involuntary psychiatric commitments rose 43% during the controversy (p <.01). Changes in help-seeking overall for mental health services do not appear to account for this rise in new involuntary commitments. Population-wide controversies may lower societal tolerance for behavior deemed deviant-and in this case, specifically among non-Western immigrants.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":"234-241"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142604907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}