Sociocultural Perceptions and Enablers to Seeking Mental Health Support Among Bhutanese Refugees in Western Massachusetts

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar ◽  
Cynthia S. Jacelon ◽  
Genevieve E. Chandler ◽  
Bhuwan Gautam ◽  
Paula H. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Bhutanese Refugees ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

This qualitative study aimed to identify cultural influences on seeking mental health support among Bhutanese refugees resettled in Western Massachusetts. Bhutanese refugees aged 18 years or older were recruited for eight focus group discussions, organized by age and gender ( N = 67, 49.3% female, mean age = 38, SD = 15.9). The PEN-3 cultural model was used as the theoretical framework to examine the roles of cultural perceptions that influence mental health-seeking behaviors. Focus group discussions were audio taped to facilitate the thematic-analysis. Younger participants (<35 years) reported experiencing stressors relating to economic hardships and difficulties in developing academic and social skills as they juggle breadwinner and care-giving responsibilities for their families. Older participants reported frustration with the difficulties in learning English and increased dependence on their children. Family members provided the initial frontline support to persons with mental health problems. If family support did not work, they consulted with their relatives and trustworthy community members for further assistance. Psychological factors such as fears of emotions, social norms, beliefs, and self-esteem associated with cultural norms and values influenced seeking mental health support. All participants expressed the need to have a culturally tailored intervention to develop acquired skills to improve their self-esteem and self-efficacy in order to integrate into their new social and cultural environment. Because family members make important decisions about seeking mental health support, involving family members in developing and delivering culturally appropriate skill development interventions could be a potential strategy to reduce their stress and increase resilience in this refugee community.

Imaging Journeys of Recovery and Learning: A Participatory Arts-Based Inquiry

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 833-845
Author(s):  
Briege Casey ◽  
Margaret Webb
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Participatory Arts ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between processes of mental health recovery and lifelong learning is an area of increasing international interest. Experiences of transformation, positive effects on self-esteem, self-insight, and empowerment have been identified regarding both endeavors. Recognition of these benefits has stimulated collaborative development of educational programs in personal development, self-efficacy, and recovery principles. The importance of evaluating this educational provision has been emphasized; however, there has been little detailed exploration of students’ experiences and perceptions of recovery and learning in the context of recovery education programs. In this article, we present a participatory arts-based inquiry with 14 women, including mental health service users, who undertook a recovery training program to support their roles as mental health support workers in Ireland. Participatory visual analysis revealed three recurring themes; the interrelatedness of learning and recovery journeys, knowledge as a source of stability and rescue and the need for resilience in learning and recovery.

Healers and Psychiatrists: The Transformation of Mental Health Care in Tajikistan

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisher Latypov
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Health Care Provision ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

This article examines the transformation of mental health care in Tajikistan from the time of Russian colonization of Central Asia until the most recent years of post-independence. It incorporates a review of published literature into the analysis of locally available reports, focus group discussions, interviews and oral histories collected between 2005 and 2008. Traditional healers play a significant role in contemporary Tajikistan, where mental health care provision is influenced by the legacy of Soviet psychiatry. Tajik mental health care may now be in a “dormant” phase, characterized by a widespread neglect of people with mental illnesses.

Qualitative Study of Homeowners' Emergency Preparedness: Experiences, Perceptions, and Practices

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 494-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane T. Diekman ◽  
Sean P. Kearney ◽  
Mary E. O'Neil ◽  
Karin A. Mack
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Considerable Morbidity

AbstractIntroduction:Considerable morbidity, mortality, and costs are associated with household emergency situations involving natural hazards and fires. Many households are poorly prepared for such emergency situations, and little is known about the psychosocial aspects of household emergency preparedness.Problem:The aim of this study is to promote a better understanding of homeowners' experiences and perceptions regarding household emergency situations and related preparedness practices.Methods:A brief survey was administered and three focus group sessions were conducted with homeowners (n = 16) from two metro Atlanta homeowners'associations.The survey inquired about basic demographic information, personal experience with a natural hazard or fire, and awareness of preparedness recommendations. The focus group discussions centered on household emergency preparedness perceptions and practices.Results:Participants defined household emergency preparedness as being able to survive with basic supplies (e.g., water, flashlights) for 48 hours or longer. While most participants had sufficient knowledge of how to prepare for household emergency situations, many did not feel fully prepared or had not completed some common preparedness measures. Concern about protecting family members and personal experience with emergency situations were identified as strong motivations for preparing the household for future emergencies.Conclusions:The focus group findings indicate that most participants have prepared for household emergency situations by discussing the dangers with family members, stockpiling resources, and taking a CPR or first-aid class. However, to the extent that behavior is influenced, there is a gap between maintaining preparedness levels and internalizing preparedness recommendations. Prevention efforts in Georgia should focus on closing that gap.

scholarly journals Supporting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing through social and emotional learning: A participatory study of conflict-affected youth resettled to the U.S.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Stark ◽  
Mackenzie V. Robinson ◽  
Alli Gillespie ◽  
Jeremy Aldrich ◽  
Wafa Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social And Emotional Learning ◽  
Emotional Learning ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Refugee Youth ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing

Abstract Background A growing literature has drawn attention to the central role that schools play in supporting the adjustment of resettled refugee youth and promoting their mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. In particular, the recent proliferation of school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives presents an opportunity to strengthen supports for resettled adolescents. This participatory research study aims to understand how high school students resettled from countries in the Middle East and North Africa region are experiencing the challenges and opportunities of acculturation and the ways in which they believe schools can better support them in this process. Methods We analyzed primary data collected during focus group discussions as part of the SALaMA study. During these discussions, we used participatory ranking methodology to elicit adolescents’ suggestions on how high schools can better support students both academically and psychosocially after resettlement. Fourteen focus group discussions were held with male (n = 38) and female (n = 31) adolescents aged 14–20 years, who were selected purposively across six public high schools in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Austin, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan. Participants offered suggestions and then ranked them in order of importance using consensus ranking. Results Thematic analysis of the PRM results across sites produced a wealth of suggestions centered around three broad themes, namely: skills related to navigating social and academic challenges, culturally responsive teaching, and socially and culturally equitable learning environments. Conclusions Findings reported illustrate limitations of the conventional, universal SEL model and shed light on how schools can adapt transformative SEL strategies to serve their students better, especially newcomers from conflict-affected countries.

scholarly journals Perception, Attitudes, and Experiences Regarding Mental Health Problems and Web Based Mental Health Information Amongst Young People with and without Migration Background in Germany. A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Ümran Sema Seven ◽  
Mendy Stoll ◽  
Dennis Dubbert ◽  
Christian Kohls ◽  
Petra Werner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Migration Background ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Mental illnesses in adolescence and young adulthood are steadily increasing. Thus, mental disorders represent an individual and societal challenge and an enormous health economic burden, creating an urgent need for research and action. Mental health problems are omnipresent in the life of young people and the internet is the first resource, which helps them to understand their situation. Young people with migration background often have more difficulties accessing health care services. Digital technologies offer an ideal opportunity for a low-threshold platform that addresses the needs of young people. The current project “GeKo:mental” aims to design a multilingual website for Cologne-based adolescents and young adults that will enable them to obtain comprehensive information about mental illness and health, treatment options and first contact points. To design this website, this study aims to find out what kind of health information is needed and how it should best be presented. Nine focus group discussions with adolescents and young adults with and without migration background (N = 68) were conducted; the focus group discussions took place at schools, in an association for social youth work and in an cultural association, which is linked to a mosque in Cologne, Germany. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on the gathered material. The participants reported concrete challenges and needs. The results will form the basis for the development and design of a website.

Mental Health Support Groups, Stigma, and Self-Esteem: Positive and Negative Implications of Group Identification

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason W. Crabtree ◽  
S. Alexander Haslam ◽  
Tom Postmes ◽  
Catherine Haslam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Group Identification ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

scholarly journals Mental Health Therapy Protocols and eHealth Design: Focus Group Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marierose M M van Dooren ◽  
Valentijn Visch ◽  
Renske Spijkerman ◽  
Richard H M Goossens ◽  
Vincent M Hendriks
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Therapy Protocol

BACKGROUND Electronic health (eHealth) programs are often based on protocols developed for the original face-to-face therapies. However, in practice, therapists and patients may not always follow the original therapy protocols. This form of personalization may also interfere with the intended implementation and effects of eHealth interventions if designers do not take these practices into account. OBJECTIVE The aim of this explorative study was to gain insights into the personalization practices of therapists and patients using cognitive behavioral therapy, one of the most commonly applied types of psychotherapy, in a youth addiction care center as a case context. METHODS Focus group discussions were conducted asking therapists and patients to estimate the extent to which a therapy protocol was followed and about the type and reasons for personalization of a given therapy protocol. A total of 7 focus group sessions were organized involving therapists and patients. We used a commonly applied protocol for cognitive behavioral therapy as a therapy protocol example in youth mental health care. The first focus group discussions aimed at assessing the extent to which patients (N=5) or therapists (N=6) adapted the protocol. The second focus group discussions aimed at estimating the extent to which the therapy protocol is applied and personalized based on findings from the first focus groups to gain further qualitative insight into the reasons for personalization with groups of therapists and patients together (N=7). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Therapists used the protocol as a “toolbox” comprising different therapy tools, and personalized the protocol to enhance the therapeutic alliance and based on their therapy-provision experiences. Therapists estimated that they strictly follow 48% of the protocol, adapt 30%, and replace 22% by other nonprotocol therapeutic components. Patients personalized their own therapy to conform the assignments to their daily lives and routines, and to reduce their levels of stress and worry. Patients estimated that 29% of the provided therapy had been strictly followed by the therapist, 48% had been adjusted, and 23% had been replaced by other nonprotocol therapeutic components. CONCLUSIONS A standard cognitive behavioral therapy protocol is not strictly and fully applied but is mainly personalized. Based on these results, the following recommendations for eHealth designers are proposed to enhance alignment of eHealth to therapeutic practice and implementation: (1) study and copy at least the applied parts of a protocol, (2) co-design eHealth with therapists and patients so they can allocate the components that should be open for user customization, and (3) investigate if components of the therapy protocol that are not applied should remain part of the eHealth applied. To best generate this information, we suggest that eHealth designers should collaborate with therapists, patients, protocol developers, and mental health care managers during the development process.

scholarly journals Women's perceptions and responses towards abnormal vaginal discharge: Focus Group Discussions in a socially marginalized community

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 9-15
Author(s):  
IMPS Ilankoon ◽  
CSE Goonewardena ◽  
RC Fernandopulle ◽  
PPR Perera
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Tract Infections

Objective: Vulvo-vaginal discharge, which is a common gynaecological complaint, can be a normal phys- iological discharge or a symptom of an underlying reproductive tract infection, genital tract neoplasm, or other reproductive tract disorder. It is pertinent to differentiate physiological discharge from a pathological vulvo-vaginal discharge in order to prevent complications of untreated reproductive tract infections. Women are not seeking health advices for most of their gynaecological health issues and have different cultural practices to manage them. This study was conducted to explore the different cultural practices associated with vulvo-vaginal discharge among females aged 18–49 years living in an estate community in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with a total number of 20 women. Transcribed verbatim data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Majority of the participants were Indian Tamils (n = 17, 85%) and Hindu (n = 15, 75%). Most (65%) of women were employed in the estate labour and educated up to grade 11 (n = 13). The major themes identified in the present study were difficulty in differentiating normal from abnormal vaginal discharge, lack of knowledge on causative factors, cultural influences and beliefs, unstable/limited source of income, fear of disclosing, and lack of support system. Many participants explained that they have difficulty in accessing health care as they are busy with their employment, household work, fear of internal examination, and fear of being admitted to the hospital ward. The common practice was to use home remedies such as polpala herbal drink (Balipoovu, Aerva lanata) or Neeramulliya (Asteracantha longifolia Linn) herbal drink, king coconut, Sauw (sago) Kanji, Uluhal (Fenugreek), and Aloe vera juice prior consulting medical advice for abnormal vaginal discharge. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed the need of support for women in estate sector for their repro- ductive and sexual health matters. There is a high need of public health care worker’s guidance and counselling to overcome barriers for health care utilization in this community.

scholarly journals Mental Health Therapy Protocols and eHealth Design: Focus Group Study

10.2196/15568 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e15568
Author(s):  
Marierose M M van Dooren ◽  
Valentijn Visch ◽  
Renske Spijkerman ◽  
Richard H M Goossens ◽  
Vincent M Hendriks
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Therapy Protocol

Background Electronic health (eHealth) programs are often based on protocols developed for the original face-to-face therapies. However, in practice, therapists and patients may not always follow the original therapy protocols. This form of personalization may also interfere with the intended implementation and effects of eHealth interventions if designers do not take these practices into account. Objective The aim of this explorative study was to gain insights into the personalization practices of therapists and patients using cognitive behavioral therapy, one of the most commonly applied types of psychotherapy, in a youth addiction care center as a case context. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted asking therapists and patients to estimate the extent to which a therapy protocol was followed and about the type and reasons for personalization of a given therapy protocol. A total of 7 focus group sessions were organized involving therapists and patients. We used a commonly applied protocol for cognitive behavioral therapy as a therapy protocol example in youth mental health care. The first focus group discussions aimed at assessing the extent to which patients (N=5) or therapists (N=6) adapted the protocol. The second focus group discussions aimed at estimating the extent to which the therapy protocol is applied and personalized based on findings from the first focus groups to gain further qualitative insight into the reasons for personalization with groups of therapists and patients together (N=7). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Therapists used the protocol as a “toolbox” comprising different therapy tools, and personalized the protocol to enhance the therapeutic alliance and based on their therapy-provision experiences. Therapists estimated that they strictly follow 48% of the protocol, adapt 30%, and replace 22% by other nonprotocol therapeutic components. Patients personalized their own therapy to conform the assignments to their daily lives and routines, and to reduce their levels of stress and worry. Patients estimated that 29% of the provided therapy had been strictly followed by the therapist, 48% had been adjusted, and 23% had been replaced by other nonprotocol therapeutic components. Conclusions A standard cognitive behavioral therapy protocol is not strictly and fully applied but is mainly personalized. Based on these results, the following recommendations for eHealth designers are proposed to enhance alignment of eHealth to therapeutic practice and implementation: (1) study and copy at least the applied parts of a protocol, (2) co-design eHealth with therapists and patients so they can allocate the components that should be open for user customization, and (3) investigate if components of the therapy protocol that are not applied should remain part of the eHealth applied. To best generate this information, we suggest that eHealth designers should collaborate with therapists, patients, protocol developers, and mental health care managers during the development process.

scholarly journals Supporting Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing Through Social and Emotional Learning: A Participatory Study of Conflict-Affected Youth Resettled to the U.S.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Stark ◽  
Mackenzie Robinson ◽  
Alli Gillespie ◽  
Jeremy Aldrich ◽  
Wafa Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social And Emotional Learning ◽  
Emotional Learning ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Refugee Youth ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing

Abstract Background A growing literature has drawn attention to the central role that schools play in supporting the adjustment of resettled refugee youth and promoting their mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. In particular, the recent proliferation of school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives presents an opportunity to strengthen supports for resettled adolescents. This participatory research study aims to understand how high school students resettled from countries in the Middle East and North Africa region are experiencing the challenges and opportunities of acculturation and the ways in which they believe schools can better support them in this process.Methods We analyzed primary data collected during focus group discussions as part of the SALaMA study. During these discussions, we used participatory ranking methodology to elicit adolescents’ suggestions on how high schools can better support students both academically and psychosocially after resettlement. Fourteen focus group discussions were held with male and female adolescents (14-20 years), selected purposively across six public high schools in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Austin, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan. Participants offered suggestions and then ranked them in order of importance using consensus ranking.Results Thematic analysis of the PRM results across sites produced a wealth of suggestions centered around three broad themes, namely: skills related to navigating social and academic challenges, culturally responsive teaching, and socially and culturally equitable learning environments. Conclusions Findings reported illustrate limitations of the conventional, universal SEL model and shed light on how schools can adapt transformative SEL strategies to serve their students better, especially newcomers from conflict-affected countries.

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