Siavash Jafari1, Souzan Baharlou, Richard Mathias. 1. Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3. jafari@interchange.ubc.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: When individuals enter a new community, they face many challenges in terms of adjusting to a new language, different customs and unfamiliar norms. These challenges may result in mental and/or general health problems. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain the mental health knowledge of Iranian immigrants and the impact of immigration on the development of mental health problems among these immigrants. RESULTS: Participants defined "mental health" in terms of psychological, social and emotional aspects and an absence of mental illnesses. Several immigration-related risk factors, such as lack of English, under- or unemployment, cultural differences, and lack of social support were revealed as barriers to successful acculturation. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally sensitive and competent programs are needed to understand the needs of Iranian immigrants to be able to design and implement appropriate mental health programs.
BACKGROUND: When individuals enter a new community, they face many challenges in terms of adjusting to a new language, different customs and unfamiliar norms. These challenges may result in mental and/or general health problems. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain the mental health knowledge of Iranian immigrants and the impact of immigration on the development of mental health problems among these immigrants. RESULTS:Participants defined "mental health" in terms of psychological, social and emotional aspects and an absence of mental illnesses. Several immigration-related risk factors, such as lack of English, under- or unemployment, cultural differences, and lack of social support were revealed as barriers to successful acculturation. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally sensitive and competent programs are needed to understand the needs of Iranian immigrants to be able to design and implement appropriate mental health programs.