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Background and aims: It has been recognized that Asian immigrants in North America have lower rates of mental health service utilization. From the perspective of cross-cultural psychiatry, one of the most important cultural factors may be differences in the explanatory model of illness. This article examines the relationship of causal beliefs, perceived service accessibility and attitudes towards seeking mental health care. Method: The sample consisted of 1000 immigrant and refugee women from five ethnic minority communities in Toronto, including three Chinese Canadian communities (Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan), Korean Canadians and Vietnamese Canadians. Data were acquired by a self-administered structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using MANOVA, ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The five ethnic minority groups of women differed in their explanatory models about mental illness and distress. In the full model where other variables were controlled for, the most significant factor predicting attitudes towards seeking professional help was perceived access for all groups except the Hong Kong Chinese. In the last group, those subscribing more to a Western stress model of illness had a more positive attitude towards seeking professional help, while those subscribing more to supernatural beliefs had a more negative attitude. Age and education were not significant predictors. Conclusion: Perceived access is one of the main factors that influence attitudes toward seeking professional help. Explanatory models may predict help-seeking behaviours if perceived access to such services is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Although there has been an increase in research on postpartum depression (PPD), an inadequate focus has been placed on immigrant women. This is a significant limitation given the rapidly changing demographics in North America., Recent Findings: Immigrants face unique and multiple layers of challenges that may compromise their mental health and prevent them from receiving adequate and equitable care. For immigrant women, many of these stressors are especially compounded in the vulnerable postpartum period, resulting in PPD. Cultural values and practices may be protective in some instances, whereas in other instances they exacerbate PPD. There is a significant gap in existing literature regarding the complex psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual factors that may moderate the effects of the depression. Furthermore, the measurement of PPD is hampered by cross-cultural methodological challenges., Summary: Given the complexity of the psychosocial issues facing immigrant women, there is a need to develop a comprehensive response toward addressing the multifaceted challenges, ensuring equitable immigration and related policies; adequate community resources and social services to address social determinants of health; inclusiveness in public health and prevention strategies; equitable access to a culturally competent healthcare system; capacity building of marginalized communities; and culturally competent interventions at the individual level. Additional research using the bidimensional model of acculturation is needed.