title: Factors that influence Asian communities' access to mental health care.
abstract: This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study to identify factors that influence Asian communities' access to mental health care and how mental health care is delivered to them. Semistructured interviews were completed with Asian community members/leaders and health-care professionals. Content analysis identified major themes. Participants also completed a demographic data sheet. The research aimed to provide health professionals with an increased understanding of the values and beliefs held by people from Asian communities regarding the cause and treatment of mental illness. Data analysis identified six main themes that influenced Asian communities' access to mental health care and how mental health care is delivered to them. They were: shame and stigma; causes of mental illness; family reputation; hiding up; seeking help; and lack of collaboration. The findings highlighted that people from Asian communities are unwilling to access help from mainstream services because of their beliefs, and that stigma and shame are key factors that influence this reluctance. The findings also highlight that the mental health needs of refugee women are significant, and that they comprise a vulnerable group within Australian society.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia. d.wynaden@curtin.edu.au
authors.forename: Dianne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wynaden
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Angelica
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Orb
authors.forename: Sunita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McGowan
authors.forename: Zenith
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zeeman
authors.forename: SiewHo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yeak
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001315:Australia; D015984:Causality; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012752:Shame; D012934:Social Isolation; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires