Youth with refugee background from Central and East Africa's experiences with Norwegian municipal health services for mental health: a qualitative study.
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| Title: | Youth with refugee background from Central and East Africa's experiences with Norwegian municipal health services for mental health: a qualitative study. |
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| Authors: | Ambrose, Charity Atim Fabio (AUTHOR), Bjønness, Stig (AUTHOR), Ree, Eline (AUTHOR), Viksveen, Petter (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal of Mental Health. 2026, Vol. 55 Issue 2, p247-264. 18p. |
| Subjects: | Fear, Health services accessibility, Mental health services, Qualitative research, Psychology of refugees, Human beings, Interviewing, Privacy, Data security failures, Cultural competence, Descriptive statistics, Thematic analysis, Sound recordings, Research methodology, Trust, Social support, Shame, Local government, Medical ethics, Cultural pluralism, Social stigma, Communication barriers |
| Geographic Terms: | East Africa, Norway, Central Africa |
| Abstract: | Background: Evidence suggests that youth with a refugee background from Africa have higher prevalence of mental health issues due to traumatic experiences like war, violence, sexual abuse and loss of relationships. These youths face new challenges after resettling in a new country, where their past experiences, and current difficulties with resettlement threaten their mental well-being. Despite their vulnerability and mental health issues, they are less likely to access mental health services compared to their peers. Aim: To explore how youth with refugee background from Africa experience the support provided by Norwegian municipal health services for their mental health. Methods: Qualitative individual interviews were conducted with 16 youths with refugee backgrounds from Central and East Africa. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed that youths had difficulties trusting healthcare professionals due to fears of confidentiality breaches and potential child welfare involvement. Cultural backgrounds influenced their interactions with the services, as factors like shame, stigma, language barriers, perceived prejudice, and lack of culturally competent -professionals impeded their access to services. Conclusion: Addressing the challenges faced by youths in accessing and benefiting from services can be achieved by fostering trusting relationships, enhance cultural competence and safety among professionals, prevent discrimination, and use professional language interpreters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Background: Evidence suggests that youth with a refugee background from Africa have higher prevalence of mental health issues due to traumatic experiences like war, violence, sexual abuse and loss of relationships. These youths face new challenges after resettling in a new country, where their past experiences, and current difficulties with resettlement threaten their mental well-being. Despite their vulnerability and mental health issues, they are less likely to access mental health services compared to their peers. Aim: To explore how youth with refugee background from Africa experience the support provided by Norwegian municipal health services for their mental health. Methods: Qualitative individual interviews were conducted with 16 youths with refugee backgrounds from Central and East Africa. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed that youths had difficulties trusting healthcare professionals due to fears of confidentiality breaches and potential child welfare involvement. Cultural backgrounds influenced their interactions with the services, as factors like shame, stigma, language barriers, perceived prejudice, and lack of culturally competent -professionals impeded their access to services. Conclusion: Addressing the challenges faced by youths in accessing and benefiting from services can be achieved by fostering trusting relationships, enhance cultural competence and safety among professionals, prevent discrimination, and use professional language interpreters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00207411 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/00207411.2025.2566536 |
