The perceived effects of migration on the mental health of Afro-Caribbean immigrants: A narrative synthesis of qualitative studies

Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Economic and educational opportunities are usually the principal driving forces for migration. There is a large body of quantitative research studies, mainly from the U.K., supporting the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, mainly psychotic disorders, in Afro-Caribbean immigrants which increases across generations. The process of migration and acculturation can present significant risk factors for psychiatric disorders in immigrants. Research involving members of the Black community is generally conducted with the perception that Blacks are a homogenous group, ignoring the cultural and ethnic differences among the subgroups. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: It provides a broadened understanding of the experiences, thoughts and feelings of Afro-Caribbean immigrants, and the factors within the processes of migration and acculturation that negatively impacts their mental health. It provides context to the volume of quantitative studies indicating a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic disorders, in Afro-Caribbean immigrants and their offspring. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses conducting mental health evaluations and assessments for members of the Black community should be culturally competent. Cultural competence entails an understanding of cultural beliefs, race, ethnicity and values. Additionally, knowledge of the effects of migration and acculturation as mental health risks is also important to improve mental health outcomes. Cultural competence will help reduce health disparities by increasing trust in the health care system and providers, not only for Afro-Caribbean immigrants, but all immigrant groups.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: There is evidence to support migration as a significant risk factor for psychiatric disorders in immigrants. Unfortunately, as an immigrant group, little is known about the mental health of Afro-Caribbean immigrants and the factors that threaten their mental health.

Aim: To explore the perceived effects of migration on the mental health of Afro-Caribbean immigrants.

Methods: A qualitative narrative synthesis was employed to interpretively integrate 13 primary qualitative research findings. Eleven of the primary studies were conducted in the U.K., one in the U.S. and one in Canada.

Results: The themes gleaned: (1) experiences of racism, (2) generational conflicts, (3) feelings of powerlessness, (4) limited socioeconomic resources, (5) unfulfilled expectations, (6) fragmented family and community and (7) ignoring cultural/ethnic identity.

Discussion: The findings broadened the understanding and experiences of Afro-Caribbean immigrants and their mental health vulnerabilities as they navigate through migration and acculturation.

Implications for practice: Addressing the mental health of Afro-Caribbeans will require health care providers to: (1) be cognizant of their immigrant status; (2) understand how migration and acculturation influence the mental health of immigrants; (3) be aware of the ethnocultural differences among Black subgroups.

Keywords: Afro-Caribbean; Caribbean immigrants; West Indian; mental health; migration; qualitative.