Mental health concerns among African immigrants.
African immigrants represent a rapidly expanding group of immigrants in the United States. In New York City, Africans constitute the fastest growing segment of immigrants but the needs and practices of African immigrants in the U.S. remain poorly understood. A community based organization (CBO) serving African immigrants in Staten Island, NY began a health screening program in 2008 with the goal of promoting access to primary care. Over 18 months, 296 visits were recorded at African Refuge health screenings, representing a total of 87 people who averaged just over 3 visits per person. The screenings identified mental health among the top three medical problems of clients but referral to mental health services was rare. Dedicated services are required to better screen for mental health concerns and refer African immigrants to mental health care.
Venters
Homer
H
New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. homer.venters@med.nyu.edu
Adekugbe
Olayinka
O
Massaquoi
Jacob
J
Nadeau
Cheryl
C
Saul
Jack
J
Gany
Francesca
F
D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult