Mental Health Awareness for Carers and Parents of Young People With Migrant Backgrounds in Australia
Other Titles
Mental Health Awareness Program for Carers and Parents of Young People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in Australia
Abstract
Australia is a multicultural nation with 30% of people born overseas (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Mental illness is highly prevalent among migrants with delayed help-seeking (World Health Organisation, 2021). Addressing the unique mental health care needs of these communities is paramount for improving inclusive and timely mental health care. ). Indian – born population is the second largest migrant community in Australia (Department of Health and Aged Care). Addressing the unique mental health care needs of these communities is paramount for improving inclusive and timely mental health care. The current phase of this research focused on Indian migrants.
This research aims to improve mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviour of young people and their parents through education interventions. This study adopted a mixed methodology. Four mental health awareness programs were completed with more than 400 attendees. Quantitative data was collected before and after the mental health awareness workshop using a pre-validated mental health literacy instrument (n=286). Quantitative data analysis is in progress.
The qualitative study is completed. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews involving n=13 adults, mainly parents and caregivers who are migrants with Indian backgrounds. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.
The findings highlighted the themes of `Parenting in the dual culture: a journey of mixed experiences, `Lack of knowledge', `Mental health - we don't talk about it' Impact on Children' `Challenge in seeking help in new Cultures' and `Connecting migrants to Mental Health resources'. The responses from participants highlighted a limited understanding of mental health and available support. They also discussed complex issues associated with parenting in a different culture and its impacts on mental health. This complex issue required evidence-based multipronged interventions.
This project is completed with the support of an Academic Seed Grant from the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC).
Notes
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Population by age and sex, Australia. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population
World Migration Report 2020. International Organization for Migration, Geneva.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-and-forced-displacement
Department of Health and Aged Care (2023) Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study- external site opens in new window, Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government, accessed 10 January 2024.
Sigma Membership
Psi Zeta at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Coaching, Primary Care, Mental Health Awareness, Migrants, Young People, Australia
Recommended Citation
Joseph, Bindu Anna and Emmanuel, Robeena, "Mental Health Awareness for Carers and Parents of Young People With Migrant Backgrounds in Australia" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 96.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/96
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
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.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Mental Health Awareness for Carers and Parents of Young People With Migrant Backgrounds in Australia
Seattle, Washington, USA
Australia is a multicultural nation with 30% of people born overseas (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Mental illness is highly prevalent among migrants with delayed help-seeking (World Health Organisation, 2021). Addressing the unique mental health care needs of these communities is paramount for improving inclusive and timely mental health care. ). Indian – born population is the second largest migrant community in Australia (Department of Health and Aged Care). Addressing the unique mental health care needs of these communities is paramount for improving inclusive and timely mental health care. The current phase of this research focused on Indian migrants.
This research aims to improve mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviour of young people and their parents through education interventions. This study adopted a mixed methodology. Four mental health awareness programs were completed with more than 400 attendees. Quantitative data was collected before and after the mental health awareness workshop using a pre-validated mental health literacy instrument (n=286). Quantitative data analysis is in progress.
The qualitative study is completed. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews involving n=13 adults, mainly parents and caregivers who are migrants with Indian backgrounds. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.
The findings highlighted the themes of `Parenting in the dual culture: a journey of mixed experiences, `Lack of knowledge', `Mental health - we don't talk about it' Impact on Children' `Challenge in seeking help in new Cultures' and `Connecting migrants to Mental Health resources'. The responses from participants highlighted a limited understanding of mental health and available support. They also discussed complex issues associated with parenting in a different culture and its impacts on mental health. This complex issue required evidence-based multipronged interventions.
This project is completed with the support of an Academic Seed Grant from the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC).
Description
This research aims to improve mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviour of young people and their parents through education interventions.
The findings highlighted `Parenting in the dual culture: a journey of mixed experiences, `Lack of knowledge', `Mental health - we don't talk about it' Impact on Children' `Challenge in seeking help in new Cultures' and `Connecting migrants to Mental Health resources'. This complex issue required evidence-based multipronged interventions.