Are we on the same page? Mental health literacy and access to care: a qualitative study in young Hazara refugees in Melbourne
Sahema Saberi
A D , Caroline Wachtler B and Phyllis Lau A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Deparment of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
B Karolinska Institutet Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Sweden.
C School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: sahema.sab001@gmail.com
Australian Journal of Primary Health 27(6) 450-455 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY21017
Submitted: 29 January 2021 Accepted: 24 July 2021 Published: 22 November 2021
Abstract
Hazaras, mostly aged <30 years, constituted the greatest number of people resettled under Australia’s migration resettlement between 2009 and 2013. This group is at high risk of mental health issues due to pre- and post-forced migration experiences. This study explored the understanding of mental health and barriers to accessing primary mental health care in young Hazara refugees in Melbourne. Seventeen Hazaras aged 18–30 years were recruited for two sex-segregated focus groups; two individual semistructured interviews were also conducted (with one male and one female participant). Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed thematically. Participants had varied perspectives on mental health issues stemming from historical and current beliefs. Lack of knowledge and concerns over confidentiality within Hazaras were considered major barriers to seeking help. Community education through existing community groups and through the women could potentially help overcome barriers to mental health access by young Hazaras.
Keywords: mental health, community mental health service, health service delivery, youth health, primary health care, minority health, refugee health, asylum seeker, Hazara, culturally and linguistically diverse.
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