A Scoping Review of Associations Between Ethno-Cultural Context and Mental Health in Canada
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
20 September 2021
Abstract
It is unclear how ethno-cultural concentration of residential areas relates to the mental health of immigrant, refugee, ethno-cultural, and racialized (IRER) groups. Communities of higher ethno-cultural density are theorized to support IRER groups’ mental health via community supports, access to culturally/linguistically appropriate healthcare, and lower discrimination/stigma. This article reviewed quantitative studies that examined relationships between communities’ ethno-cultural density and mental health among IRER groups in Canada. Eleven of the sixteen reviewed studies (almost 70%) observed protective associations between ethno-cultural density and mental health; patterns were more mixed for studies with child populations, suggesting associations may differ based on developmental phases. Findings suggested there was more support in protective associations of higher areal ethno-cultural density with regard to community mental health of IRER groups in Canada.
Résumé
On ne sait pas comment la concentration ethnoculturelle des zones résidentielles est liée à la santé mentale des groupes d’immigrants, de réfugiés, ethnoculturels et racialisés (IRER). Les communautés de densité ethnoculturelle plus élevée sont théorisées pour soutenir la santé mentale des groupes IRER par le biais de soutiens communautaires, l’accès à des soins de santé culturellement / linguistiquement appropriés et une réduction de la discrimination / stigmatisation. Cet article a passé en revue des études quantitatives qui ont examiné les relations entre la densité ethnoculturelle des communautés et la santé mentale des groupes IRER au Canada. Onze des seize études examinées (près de 70%) ont observé des associations protectrices entre la densité ethnoculturelle et la santé mentale; les modèles étaient plus mélangés pour les études avec des populations d’enfants, ce qui suggère que les associations peuvent différer en fonction des phases de développement. Les résultats suggèrent des associations protectrices de densité ethnoculturelle plus élevée en ce qui concerne la santé mentale communautaire des groupes IRER au Canada.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 40 • Number 2 • July 2021
Pages: 23 - 48
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Scott D. Emerson, Lisa Ritland, and Martin Guhn. 2021. A Scoping Review of Associations Between Ethno-Cultural Context and Mental Health in Canada. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
40(2): 23-48. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2021-010
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