Other Titles

Utilizing the Health Belief Model to Explore Factors Influencing Intention to Seek Mental Health Services in Chaldean Adults [Poster Title]

Other Titles

Rising Star Poster/Presentation

Abstract

Since the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003, three-fourths of the Chaldean population fled the country, seeking refuge from persecution, resulting in a Chaldean diaspora with hundreds of thousands dispersed outside Iraq. Michigan is home to approximately 160,000 Chaldean people, the highest concentration in the U.S. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a growing concern, yet are likely underreported due to community stigmas and cultural beliefs, leading to unhealthy coping behavior and delayed mental health treatment. While evidence supports a high incidence of mental health illnesses among the Arab population, literature assessing the Chaldean population remains understudied. This quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study examined barriers and factors influencing intention to seek mental health treatment among Chaldean adults in southeastern Michigan using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Participants (n=138) completed an 87-item survey with five reliable and valid questionnaires measuring modifying factors, individual beliefs, and cues to action. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression. This project adds to the scientific base for nursing practice by examining predictors and barriers of accessing mental health services and supports culturally competent care to improve recognition, access, and treatment.

Notes

Acknowledgments:

This dissertation was completed at the Oakland University School of Nursing. The author gratefully acknowledges the guidance and support of Dr. Julie Kruse, Dr. Suha Kridli, and Dr. Andrea Kozak; the Chaldean Community Foundation; the Chaldean Diocese; and all study participants.

Financial support was provided by the Jonas Scholar Program, Sigma Theta Tau International (Theta Psi-at-Large Chapter), and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.

References:

Miri, A. (2020, March 27). Chaldeans in Michigan. The Chaldean News. https://www.chaldeannews.com/features-1/2020/3/27/chaldeans-in-michigan

Description

This study examines factors influencing intention to seek mental health among Chaldean adults in Michigan, a population affected by displacement and trauma. Despite prevalence of mental health, cultural stigma contributes to underreporting. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this quantitative cross-sectional study analyzed data from 138 participants assessing modifying factors, individual beliefs, and cues to action. Findings identify key barriers and predictors of help-seeking intention.

Author Details

Dali Majeed, PhD(c), BSN, RN

Dali Majeed is a registered nurse at Corewell Health and a PhD candidate in Nursing at Oakland University. Her professional interests include advancing nursing practice, promoting evidence-based care, and improving patient outcomes. Through both clinical practice and research, she is committed to contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge and supporting high-quality healthcare delivery.

Sigma Membership

Theta Psi at-Large

Type

Poster

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Cross-Sectional

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Health Belief Model, Mental Health, Mental Health Services, Help Seeking Behavior, Ethnic Groups, Chaldeans, Adult

Conference Name

37th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Conference Year

2026

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Invited Presentation

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2026-10-01

Funder

Jonas Scholar Program

Second Funder

Sigma Theta Tau International. Theta Psi-at-Large Chapter

Third Funder

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation

Click on the above link to access the poster.

Share

COinS
 

Utilizing the Health Belief Model to Explore Mental Health Help-Seeking in Chaldean Adults

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Since the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003, three-fourths of the Chaldean population fled the country, seeking refuge from persecution, resulting in a Chaldean diaspora with hundreds of thousands dispersed outside Iraq. Michigan is home to approximately 160,000 Chaldean people, the highest concentration in the U.S. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a growing concern, yet are likely underreported due to community stigmas and cultural beliefs, leading to unhealthy coping behavior and delayed mental health treatment. While evidence supports a high incidence of mental health illnesses among the Arab population, literature assessing the Chaldean population remains understudied. This quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study examined barriers and factors influencing intention to seek mental health treatment among Chaldean adults in southeastern Michigan using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Participants (n=138) completed an 87-item survey with five reliable and valid questionnaires measuring modifying factors, individual beliefs, and cues to action. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression. This project adds to the scientific base for nursing practice by examining predictors and barriers of accessing mental health services and supports culturally competent care to improve recognition, access, and treatment.