Mental health disparities in the older Afro-Caribbean population living in the United States: cultural and practice perspectives for mental health professionals.
Cultural characteristics play an important role in the lives of many older Afro-Caribbean as they continue to migrate, acculturate, and assimilate in the United States. Many among this unique cultural subgroup will develop mental illness; however, despite the availability of effective treatment, seeking appropriate care within the formal mental health system continues to be a challenge for this group as a consequence of their cultural heritage. This review describes how these cultural determinants often lead to mental health disparities among older Afro-Caribbean living in the United States. Suggestions are also included for how mental health nurses and other professionals can incorporate research and practice into the caring model of cultural humility as they continue to come in contact with this population in various clinical settings.
Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA. hellis@jhsmiami.org
Horace A
HA
Ellis
D000368:Aged; D063506:Ageism; D044383:Black People / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000208:ethnology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D054521:Cultural Competency; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D057545:Social Stigma; D012945:Social Values; D014481:United States; D001741:Black or African American