Search

In the United States, immigrant Latino men who have sex with men (ILMSM) are, compared to white MSM, disproportionately burdened by HIV and lack access to highly effective HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Qualitative research centered on exploring barriers that ILMSM experience in accessing PrEP and other sexual services is extremely limited, despite a high prevalence of HIV in this population. In this study, a purposive sample of ILMSM (n = 25) was recruited to participate in a semi-structured in-depth interview to identify the distinct barriers and facilitators ILMSM experience in accessing sexual health services given their complex intersectional identities of being an immigrant, Latino, and a sexual minority man. Using a thematic analysis approach, nine themes were generated from the data representing barriers and facilitators. Barriers included: (1) cost and a lack of health insurance, (2) complexity of PrEP assistance programs; (3) challenges related to the immigrant experience; (4) impact of gay stigma; and (5) communication challenges. Facilitators included: (1) improving affordability and accessibility of PrEP services; (2) receiving services from LGBT- or Latine LGBT-centered clinics; (3) receiving services from medical providers who are gay and/or Latino; and (4) providing targeted community outreach, education, and promotion of PrEP to ILMSM. While many of the barriers illuminated in the study were structural (e.g., cost and lack of health insurance), and not easy to overcome, the findings highlight a range of facilitators that can support access to PrEP and other sexual health services for ILMSM. Considering these findings, we suggest strategies that may enhance access to needed sexual health services among ILMSM.

Using data from Vietnamese-origin older immigrants/refugees in the Houston, Texas area, we assessed their overall health, chronic conditions, disability, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment, and examined the association between their chronic conditions and disability by comorbidity clusters. The mean age of the sample was 76 years old. The majority were married in fair/poor health with several chronic conditions and disabilities and lived with families in low-income households. Hypertension and arthritis were the most common health conditions, but cognitive impairment had the most significant impact on their disability. They experienced similar health conditions to other older Americans but had higher rates of depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment possibly due to cultural factors that may have delayed mental health treatment. Culturally and linguistically tailored services created by policymakers, healthcare professionals, and local social service agencies are recommended for the well-being of immigrants/refugees who migrated to the U.S. for a better life.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have documented the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on low-income families, rural and underserved areas, and racial and ethnic minority populations. However, less is known about immigrants healthcare access and utilization, including telehealth use. This study investigated disparities in healthcare access and utilization by immigration status among adults aged 18-64 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study pooled data from the 2020 and 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the variation of healthcare access and utilization by citizenship and nativity status. Immigration status (U.S.-born citizen, naturalized U.S. citizen, and non-citizen) served as the key independent variable. Healthcare access measures were dichotomized indicators of whether individuals had delayed medical care either due to cost or due to COVID-19. Healthcare utilization measures included whether individuals visited a doctor, used the emergency room, or had a telehealth visit during COVID-19. RESULTS: Compared to U.S.-born citizens, non-citizen immigrants were more likely to delay medical care due to cost (adjusted OR = 1.375, [95%CI: 1.137, 1.662]), less likely to visit a doctor (adjusted OR = 0.71, [95%CI: 0.617, 0.817]), or visit an emergency room (adjusted OR = 0.756, [95%CI: 0.635, 0.901]). Non-citizen immigrants were less likely to have a telehealth visit (either video or phone visits) during COVID-19 (adjusted OR = 0.634, [95%CI: 0.557, 0.723]). DISCUSSION: Compared to U.S.-born citizens, lower healthcare and telehealth utilization persisted among non-citizen immigrants during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Refugees and immigrants can experience complex stressors from the process of immigration that can have lasting and severe long-term mental health consequences. Experiences after ayahuasca ingestion are shown to produce positive effects on psychological wellbeing and mental health, including anecdotal reports of improved symptoms of trauma and related disorders. However, data on the longitudinal health impact of naturalistic ayahuasca use in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrant and refugee populations is limited. AIMS: The current longitudinal online survey study was conducted to gather prospective data on ceremonial ayahuasca use in a group (N = 15) of primarily female MENA immigrants and refugees and to provide further insight into the patterns and outcomes surrounding that use. The study sought to assess self-reported changes in physical and mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning, examine relationships between aspects of individual mindset (e.g., psychedelic preparedness) prior to ayahuasca use and observed outcomes during (e.g., subjective drug effects) and afterwards (i.e., persisting effects), characterize risks and negative experiences, and describe trauma exposure and personal history. RESULTS/OUTCOMES: Our findings revealed ceremonial use of ayahuasca is associated with significant improvements in mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and shame, and increases in cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion. Most participants reported no lasting adverse effects and experienced notable positive behavioral changes persisting months after ingestion. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: While preliminary, results suggest naturalistic ayahuasca use might hold therapeutic potential for MENA populations exposed to trauma prior to and during the process of migration.

Maternal parenting stress during childhood may have important influences on offspring internalizing and externalizing behaviors during adolescence in unmarried households, but it is unclear whether effects differ across different trajectory patterns of maternal parenting stress and for native-born vs. immigrant families. Using data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we identified trajectory patterns of maternal parenting stress from ages 1–9 years using semi-parametric group-based trajectory modeling. We used negative binomial regression models to estimate associations between maternal parenting stress trajectories and adolescent behavioral symptoms at age fifteen. Five maternal parenting stress trajectory groups were identified among the 1982 unmarried families included in this study, representing consistently low (9.2 %), consistently mild (54.2 %), moderate and decreasing (14.4 %), moderate and increasing (16.0 %) and consistently high (6.2 %) levels of maternal parenting stress. For adolescent internalizing symptoms, all maternal parenting stress trajectory groups exhibited higher symptoms compared to the consistently low group: IRR for consistently mild: 1.21 (95 % CI: 0.98–1.56); IRR for moderate/decreasing: 1.34 (95 % CI: 1.04–1.74); IRR for moderate/increasing: 1.62 (95 % CI: 1.28–2.13); and IRR for consistently high: 1.74 (95 % CI = 1.29–2.41). Similar results were observed for adolescent externalizing symptoms. Stronger effects of maternal parenting stress trajectories on adolescent externalizing symptoms were observed among native-born vs. immigrant families. Differential attrition and same-source bias may lead to under- or over-estimation of the associations of interest. Interventions targeting unmarried families with elevated maternal parenting stress during childhood may reduce behavioral symptoms in adolescence. • Unmarried mothers generally suffer from elevated parenting stress • High maternal parenting stress in childhood linked to more adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms • Family immigration status changed how maternal stress affects adolescent externalizing symptoms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Health care professional's qualifications earned in one country may not be recognised in another country and will require validation. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of immigrant healthcare professionals seeking the recognition of their education credentials in Finland. Altogether 11 professionals applying to a programme to validate their qualification were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. Data was analysed by using inductive thematic analysis. The study was able to identify four factors promoting healthcare professionals' participation in validation education: (1) readiness for the Finnish employment market; (2) support from relatives and acquaintances; (3) the significance of language used to deliver validation education; and (4) the importance of the cost‐free nature of the program. The challenges were described by five main themes: (1) access to and commencement of validation education; (2) foreign language‐related challenges; (3) access to information about the education; (4) decisions about leaving the home country; and (5) discrimination and racism. Based on this study, seven recommendations are provided for education policy and practice to facilitate access to and commencement of validation education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractImmigrant adolescents in Canada face challenges accessing accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Many challenges stem from taboos associated with SRH, cultural and religious restrictions, and social beliefs regarding the unnecessity of SRH education for adolescents. We explored the SRH experiences of immigrant adolescents in the context of their cultural and religious perspectives. We engaged adolescents as collaborators and active participants in the research process. With the support of an Adolescent Advisory Group (AAG) and community partners, we conducted qualitative interviews with immigrant adolescents in Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver (n = 58). Through thematic analysis, we identified three broad themes: (1) ‘What’s really happening?’ Experiencing body changes from puberty to adulthood; (2) ‘It’s something that’s shameful’: Encountering myths, misperceptions, and norms about SRH; and (3) ‘I’ll be there for you’: Navigating family and digital resources for support. Our findings highlight the specific SRH challenges faced by immigrant adolescents in Canada, such as differences between cultural values, and communication barriers within families. Dealing with SRH matters is dependent on education, family readiness, and personal values attached to these topics. Programmes must focus on engaging cultural and religious preferences and tailoring interventions to adolescents’ needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home-care of the elderly is often neglected among the care professions, despite the fact that it can be exposed to a high level of stress due to prolonged contact with suffering and often in solitude at home. In the theoretical framework of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this paper aims to identify the demands and resources proper of this profession. We have carried out the template analysis of 49 interviews with both Italian and immigrant home-care workers. The results show that the relationship with the elderly and their relatives is the main source of both demands and resources, as they can be demanding and aggressive, but also offer social support and recognition. For immigrants, the conflict between caring for the assisted elderly and their relatives in their countries is then crucial. Greater social recognition and government protection would help to balance the burden of this profession, which is carried out in private homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unhealthy alcohol use is a significant public health concern among ethnic minority immigrant gay, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in North America. The definition of unhealthy alcohol use is any use that increases the risk of health consequences or has already led to negative health consequences. Despite its association with various health problems, this issue remains understudied in this population. Therefore, we aim to synthesize key findings to provide the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use and related factors among this population in North America. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in multiple scientific databases to identify studies on alcohol use among ethnic minority immigrant GBMSM. Using random-effect modeling strategies, we aggregate and weigh the individual estimates, providing a pooled prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use within this population. Our review included 20 articles with 2971 participants (i.e., 53% were Latino, 45% were Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 2% were African). The meta-analysis revealed that 64% (95% CI 0.50, 0.78) of the participants reported recent alcohol use, while 44% (95% CI 0.30, 0.59) engaged in unhealthy alcohol use. Co-occurring health issues identified in the studies are other substance use (32%; 95% CI 0.21, 0.45), positive HIV status (39%; 95% CI 0.14, 0.67), and mental health issues (39%; 95% CI 0.21, 0.58). We also identified several factors associated with unhealthy alcohol use, including risky sexual behaviors, experiences of discrimination based on race and sexual orientation, and experiences of abuse. However, meta-regression results revealed no statistically significant associations between alcohol use and co-occurring health problems. This is the first study to systematically review unhealthy alcohol use among ethnic minority immigrant GBMSM. Despite the high burden of alcohol use, there is a dearth of research among Asian and African GBMSM. Our findings underscore the need for more research in these groups and provide insights to inform targeted clinical prevention and early intervention strategies to mitigate the adverse consequences of unhealthy alcohol use among ethnic minority immigrant GBMSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health information technology (HIT) use among foreign-born adults of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent is understudied. MENA Americans are currently categorized as "White" in the United States (US) on federal forms. Our purpose was to uncover the prevalence of HIT use among MENA immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born White adults before and after adjusting for covariates. The 2011–2018 National Health Interview Survey data (n = 161,613; ages 18 + years) were analyzed. HIT uses evaluated were searching for health information, filling prescriptions, scheduling appointments, and communicating with healthcare providers via email (last 12 months). Crude and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of each HIT use (searching for health information, filling prescriptions, scheduling appointments, and/or communicating with healthcare providers via email), and overall use of any HIT before and after adjustment. The most common HIT use was looking up health information (46.4% foreign-born MENA, 47.8% foreign-born White, 51.2% US-born White; p =.0079). Foreign-born adults of MENA descent had lower odds (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.56–0.74) of reporting any HIT use, but no difference in reporting all HIT uses compared to US-born White adults. This is the first study to explore HIT use among MENA Americans. Results contribute to growing body of literature showing the health of MENA Americans differs from White Americans. A separate racial/ethnic identifier is needed to better capture HIT uses among populations of MENA descent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows the impact of cultural stressors (e.g. perceived discrimination, bicultural stressors, negative context of reception) on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. Given the presence of multiple cultural stressors in many Hispanic adolescents' lives, it is essential to examine the (a) developmental sequencing of cultural stressors among recent immigrant youth and (b) predictive effects of cultural stressors on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. We employed a random intercept cross‐lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal interplay among cultural stressors and their effects on youth outcomes using longitudinal data with six waves among 302 recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents (47% girls, Mage = 14.51, SD =.88). We observed bidirectional within‐person relations and between‐person associations among cultural stressors. At the within‐person level, bidirectional cross‐lagged effects emerged between perceived discrimination and bicultural stress, between perceived discrimination and negative context of reception, and between negative context of reception and bicultural stress. At the between‐person level, bidirectional cross‐lagged effects emerged only between perceived discrimination and bicultural stressors. Our findings indicate that cultural stressors explain heterogeneity in psychosocial outcomes: self‐esteem was inversely predicted by all cultural stressors, whereas depressive symptoms were predicted only by perceived discrimination. In addition, optimism was predicted only by bicultural stressors, and externalizing behavior was predicted by both bicultural stressors and perceived discrimination. These results suggest that the longitudinal relationships among cultural stressors are (partly) bidirectional. Additionally, cultural stressors demonstrated differential predictive effects on psychosocial outcomes, indicating the added value of considering multiple cultural stressors and their longitudinal effects on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neuropsychological assessment among U.S. Arabic-speaking older adults is virtually non-existent due to lack of translated measures and normative data, as well as researchers' limited access to Middle Eastern/Arab Americans. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is the only validated, widely-used dementia screen with Arabic language norms/cutoffs, yet, Arabic MoCA translations vary across countries and studies. We examined utility of a modified translation among Arabic-speaking immigrants in metro-Detroit. Methods: The Arabic MoCA was modified to reflect consistency with the original English version while remaining meaningful in the Arabic language. The MoCA was then administered to 32 Arabic-speaking adults age 65 + living in metro-Detroit. Eight (25%) had an Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (ADRD) diagnosis. Each item was standardized and Cronbach's alpha assessed reliability. Ordinary least squares models examined whether an ADRD diagnosis predicts the total MoCA score and each item, adjusting for demographics. Results: The mean age of the sample was 73 years old. The alpha was acceptably high at 0.87. Bivariate analyses show those with ADRD diagnosis scored lower overall on the MoCA. However, probability of diagnosis and age were confounded in the sample such that in multivariate analyses ADRD diagnosis did not explain additional variation beyond what is explained by age. Orientation, cube-copy test and serial 7s best distinguished those with ADRD. Conclusion: The modified Arabic language MoCA shows promise distinguishing those with an ADRD diagnosis. This translation provides a resource for neuropsychologists looking for translated tests when working with Arabic-speaking patients in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racism-based experiences among Black African immigrants in the United States are a growing concern due to the prevalence of these events and risk for negative health (mental, behavioral, and physical) outcomes. This integrative review appraised published studies (2012–2023) addressing the relationship between racism-based experiences and adverse health for Black African immigrants. Articles were identified using structured search terms in several databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science), Google Scholar, and citation mining. A total of fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies found a significant positive association between racism-based experiences and adverse mental (n = 9), behavioral (n = 3), and physical (n = 2) health outcomes. Racism-based experiences appear to have mental, behavioral, and physical health consequences for Black African immigrant adults. Given the growing population of Black African immigrants in the United States, more work is needed to elucidate the relationship between racism-based experiences and negative health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between heritage cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes among migrants, none have focussed specifically on migrant adolescents (i.e. those aged 10–24 years). Aims: To examine (1) the focus, scope and nature of quantitative empirical research investigating heritage cultural maintenance – including linguistic maintenance – and mental health outcomes among migrant adolescents globally and (2) the association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and migrant adolescents' mental health outcomes. Method: Following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews, we searched 11 electronic health, medical, social science and language databases from database inception until the search date (6 June 2023), using English search terms. We extracted data from included empirical studies using a template with pre-defined data items, which we present in comprehensive overviews and narrative summaries. Results: Thirty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified considerable heterogeneity between studies regarding their research foci, methodologies, terminologies, outcomes and findings regarding the association between cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes. We specifically identified mixed findings regarding the latter, which cannot be transferred or generalised. Conclusions: The heterogenous nature of methodologies and outcome measures in the published literature, in addition to a scarcity of research from low- and middle-income countries, have hindered meaningful progress in this field. Efforts to address these issues, and to take adolescent context into consideration, will facilitate a more accurate understanding of how cultural maintenance relates to migrant adolescent mental health, and inform future interventions to improve mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-reported and street race have been associated with health in the U.S. Race is a social construction based on phenotypical classifications rooted in colonialism. Yet, perceptions of race are different in the U.S. than in Latin America. We investigated relationships between self-reported race, street race (i.e., socially assigned race), and the health of U.S. Latinx immigrants in a community-engaged study of immigrant health in North Carolina. Latinx immigrants aged 18–44 years (N = 391) completed measures of self-reported race, street race, and health. Many participants reported that they did not know their race (n = 171; 44%), although to be eligible all identified as Hispanic or Latino/a/x. No significant relationships were observed between street race and health. For self-reported race, participants who declined to respond to the race question were more likely to have poorer mental health than participants who reported a biracial race and worse physical health than those of unknown, white, biracial, and other races. In exploratory analyses, participants who declined to answer the self-reported race question had higher immigration stress and language stress, were more likely to be undocumented, as well as were less bicultural and were less acculturated to the U.S. than participants in some of the other racial groups. The relationship between race and health among Latinx immigrants is complex and may not be explained by traditional racial and ethnic classifications in the U.S. Future research should explore how Latinx immigrants perceive and construct racial identity in the U.S., how they are racialized, and its impact on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immigrant parents and their adolescent children face unique stressors that have been linked to an increased prevalence of negative mental health outcomes. Limited research has evaluated the use of brief, culturally sensitive, school-based mental health programming for immigrant families. The current study sought to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a mental health psychoeducational program for immigrant parents of adolescents. Additionally, the current study sought to explore the role of parental demographic characteristics on these outcomes. Sixty-seven immigrant parents of adolescents from urban communities participated in a pilot evaluation of a brief mental health program designed to educate parents regarding stressors their adolescents face and how to increase positive communication. Results suggest that immigrant participants perceived the training as both acceptable and effective in increasing their knowledge. Moreover, results indicated higher ratings of the training's acceptability and effectiveness among younger parents, as well as those who identified as Latino/a. Implications for school mental health professionals serving immigrant parent populations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of anti-mattering perceptions on social health levels among university students in Turkey. A total of 494 university students, including 311 domestic and 183 immigrants from Syria, participated in the study. Anti-mattering and social health scales were used to collect data. The LIFESCREEN for College Students (TLS-C) is an 18-item scale that measures the social health needs of college students, the measure is guided by the five key areas of social determinants of health (SDOH) and asks questions related to topics such as safety and food security. Descriptive, difference, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. The findings showed that anti-mattering perceptions had a significant impact on social health levels. Additionally, the immigrants and economically disadvantaged students had higher social health needs and behaviors. The study concluded that anti-mattering perceptions, which are shaped during childhood and adolescence, are an influential factor on social health behaviors and needs of university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Vaccination programs become increasingly crucial during migratory movements driven by conflict and other disruptions. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood vaccination hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection and identify areas for targeted interventions. Method: A total of 227 Syrian parents attending three Immigrant Health Centers in Sultangazi were assessed using the Arabic version of the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, conducted between October and December 2023. Results: The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among these parents was found to be 10.6%. An inverse correlation was observed between maternal education level and vaccine hesitancy, indicating that higher education levels were associated with lower levels of hesitancy. Conclusion: The observed rate of vaccine hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Tailored vaccination strategies for immigrant populations are essential to improve immunization rates and ensure the health and well-being of these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harlow's seminal work on the nature of attachment focused on the importance of warm, responsive, and loving relationships in children's healthy development. While the need for love and care is arguably universal, the ways in which these emotions are expressed can vary across cultural contexts. We examined how Chinese American parents' expressions of love were associated with children's attachment security. A total of 110 Chinese American immigrant parent–child dyads (children 7–11 years old, 49% girls) participated in 3‐min conversations in which parents were instructed to communicate love and care. Proposition‐level analyses in speech (total 8825 propositions) identified three types of affection: training (guan and chiao shun); relational affection (qin); and validation (acceptance and encouragement of child's own expression of emotion, thoughts, and behaviors). Higher training was observed in parents with lower American orientation and lower income. Higher relational affection was observed in parents with lower income. Higher validation was observed in parents with higher income. Using path analyses, training and validation were found to be positively associated with children's attachment security beyond parenting styles. Effects of parents' relational affection were moderated by children's American orientation. Results demonstrate how immigrant parents draw on multiple cultural scripts to express love and care. These findings expand traditional concepts of parental love in immigrant families and illustrate how bicultural expressions of love can shape attachment security in middle childhood. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/HqUfIDxkFsE Research Highlights: Analyses of parent‐child discussions identified three parental affection styles (i.e., training, relational affection, and validation) as expressions of love and care in Chinese American immigrant families.Training and validation were positively associated with children's attachment security.Relational affection was associated with lower attachment security for children with higher American cultural orientation, suggesting the effects of parent–child expressions of love are shaped by acculturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether immigrant status is associated with likelihood of audiogram and hearing aid use among US adults with hearing loss. Study Design: Cross‐sectional study. Setting: Nationally representative data from 2009 to 2010, 2011 to 2012, 2015 to 2016, and 2017 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles. Methods: This cross‐sectional study of 4 merged cycles of NHANES included 12,455 adults with subjective (self‐reported) or objective (audiometric) hearing loss. Sequentially adjusted logistic regressions were used to assess the association of immigration status with likelihood of having undergone audiogram among those with objective and self‐reported hearing loss, and with likelihood of hearing aid use among candidates with objective hearing loss. Results: Immigrants were less likely to have received an audiogram among subjects with subjective (odds ratio [OR]: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75‐0.87), and objective (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72‐0.81) hearing loss, compared to nonimmigrants. The association persisted for those with subjective (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81‐0.96), and objective (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80‐0.96) hearing loss after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, insurance, and hearing quality, but disappeared in both groups after adjusting for English proficiency. Immigrants were less likely to use hearing aids (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87‐0.93). However, this association disappeared (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.93‐1.04) in the adjusted model. Conclusion: Immigrant status is a significant barrier to hearing health care and is associated with lower rates of audiometric testing and hearing aid use among individuals with hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the Second World War, in Germany, Turkey and a number of other European countries, the struggle to learn the positions and interests of both sides regarding the Cold War continued. One of the most urgent issues in this period was the struggle for freedom of the peoples invaded by the Soviet Union, former national minorities. One of the magazines published for this purpose was Kafkasya magazine, the press organ of the North Caucasus National Committee organized by Caucasian political emigrants in Munich. The article briefly talks about the history and importance of the Caucasian union, the joint struggle of the Caucasian peoples in the 50s of the 20th century. The Caucasus is a geographical space consisting of many ethnic groups and sub-ethnic groups. The importance of this place for Central Asia and Europe is immense. In order to be independent and to remain independent for a long time, political immigrants who knew the importance of forming a confederal institution by uniting in this area fought from time to time. Kafkasia magazine was one of the magazines that propagated the idea of confederation. This topic is comprehensively explored in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Background Method Results Conclusions Implications The purpose of the current study was to examine whether immigration‐related stress is associated with reduced positive parenting and whether this association is mediated by depressive symptoms in undocumented Central American immigrant mothers.In the context of “illegality,” parents can face myriad stressors related to their immigration status, which may lead to heightened emotions, including depressed mood. These experiences may affect family life, including the ways in which immigrant mothers parent their children.This study examined survey data generated in 2016–2017 by researchers using a community‐based participatory action research approach in partnership with Central American immigrant mothers residing in the Washington, DC, region. The sample for this study included 117 undocumented Central American immigrant mothers of children aged 3 to 11 years.Controlling for age of child, mother's education, and relationship status, analyses revealed that immigration‐related stress was associated with heightened levels of depressive symptoms for mothers. However, mothers' symptoms of depression were not associated with positive parenting. Additionally, no association between immigration‐related stress and positive parenting was found.Findings suggest that mothers, although affected by immigration‐related stress in terms of their own mood symptoms, may deploy mechanisms such as parental self‐sacrifice to protect their children from anti‐immigrant harms.Findings hold implications for future research, including research approaches, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Much of the research on ethnic enclaves in the United States has focussed on physical, geographic spaces or brick‐and‐mortar establishments that foster community building and provide shared resources for immigrant groups, such as those from Latin America, Asia and Europe. These studies often highlight the benefits and challenges enclaves provide, with only a limited discussion of how immigrant women use these spaces. Using survey data drawn from Kenyan women residing in the United States, this study aimed to answer two research questions: (1) Does membership in social media groups comprised of Kenyan female immigrats vary (e.g. by age, immigration status)? (2) Do age and immigration/citizenship status influence Kenyan female immigrants' reasons for joining social media groups? The bivariate results show that older women and those who migrated to the United States for school or through the Green Card lottery programme were likelier to join Tumaini and other immigrant‐specific social media groups. Regarding factors influencing their reasons for joining these groups, the regression results revealed that US citizens and permanent residents were less likely to join the group for solidarity/support. Furthermore, those who migrated for school or to join family members were likelier to join the Tumaini group for support/solidarity. This finding suggests that older women, being more likely to belong to physical social groups, have a relatively stronger attachment to such groups. Consequently, their willingness to join the Tumaini group, despite it being an online community, may be stronger than that of their younger counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among the many pressing concerns of the Somali-American community, and other similar immigrant and refugee communities as they grow in the United States, is the provision of care for older adults and adults with disabilities. The implications of effective caregiving range from the facilitation of community building and place-making to the delivery and management of healthcare on a systemic level. However, little is currently known about Somali-American family caregivers, including their duties and responsibilities, primary concerns, and the impacts of surrounding influences on their ability to fulfill their role. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Somali-American family caregivers in Somali language. The resulting transcripts were translated into English by a professional interpreter and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. A key informant from the community was additionally consulted for insights regarding cultural nuances and interpretations of idiomatic expressions and concepts. Results: Thematic analysis of the reports revealed the principal themes of visitation, patient accompaniment, and self-sacrifice through acceptance and God-consciousness as pervasive and salient concerns across participants. Furthermore, the heightened stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how severe the consequences can be when access to culturally habituated navigational tools and coping mechanisms are restricted. Conclusions: In light of our findings, the growing concern for discrimination and sociocultural discord in the Somali-American community presents a particularly prescient threat to the well-being and sustainability of family caregivers. Their experiences must be understood and used to promote education and partnership between the healthcare system and the community in order to build trust and ensure a healthy future for this indispensable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of primary healthcare and health promotion services is low among immigrants compared with native citizens. Immigrants are at risk of developing chronic diseases due to genetics, nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. Registered nurses play an integral role in teaching, counselling for a healthy lifestyle and care coordination in primary healthcare. Aim: We aimed to explore the perceptions of registered nurses on healthy lifestyle counselling for preventing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases among immigrants in the primary healthcare setting. Design: We performed a qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews. Methods: Data were collected with semi‐structured focus group interviews with a total of 23 registered nurses working in primary healthcare. We recruited the participants by using the purposive sampling method in the primary healthcare setting of four municipalities in Finland. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with qualitative inductive content analysis. Results: The participants' perceptions were related to (1) uniform counselling practice for both immigrants and native citizens, (2) challenges in counselling immigrants, (3) understanding cultural factors influencing immigrant counselling, (4) the need to improve immigrant counselling and (5) utilizing insights from practical experience to improve the counselling service. Conclusions: Developing a culturally sensitive health promotion service is suggested to support the health of immigrants. Moreover, both migrant communities and healthcare professionals should be involved in co‐designing and implementing health promotion projects through a community‐based participatory approach. Impact: Our study contributes to healthcare practice and management by underscoring the need for culturally tailored health promotion services for the at‐risk group of immigrants in primary healthcare. Cultural competence in nursing education needs to be reinforced. The provided recommendations inform researchers and policymakers about the health disparities and health needs of immigrants. Public Contribution: Healthcare professionals were consulted in the study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographers and other immigration scholars must often navigate complex institutional landscapes to conduct migrant research, as a variety of organizations, entities, and agencies operate within immigrant-adjacent contexts. Such organizations can function as partners to facilitate a project, as gatekeepers who mediate access to immigrant communities and data sets, or as stakeholders who may influence project goals. To navigate these institutional contexts, geographers must make decisions with important logistical and epistemological implications for both project design and research contributions, shaping the knowledge production possible in these contexts. This article outlines relevant trends in the literature on the institutionalization and bureaucratization of immigration, connects these insights to feminist geographic scholarship on fieldwork and navigating immigrant institutions, and serves as an introduction to this special issue of the Geographical Review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review was to identify knowledge gaps within the literature regarding the impact of opioid use disorder, specific to immigrants in the United States, by addressing the following questions: 1) What is presented in the literature about the impact of opioid use disorder (OUD) and the opioid epidemic on immigrants in the United States?; and 2) What role does culture play in the opioid use disorder experiences of immigrants in the United States? Nineteen research articles were uncovered that addressed immigrants in the U.S. and opioid use disorder. The following themes prevailed: 1) OUD comparisons, 2) OUD comorbidities, 3) disparate OUD treatment engagement, and 4) the role of country of origin. Limited review findings support the need for future research on the topic of opioid misuse among immigrants in the United States. The authors elaborated on additional issues that influence OUD rates and warrant further exploration. Matters related to the potential positive roles of religion and faith leaders, cultural perceptions and expectations about gender roles, immigration status, ethnically diverse needs among sub-groups of immigrants, the role of geographic location within the U.S., and the implications of COVID-19 on OUD among immigrants need to be addressed to alleviate the deleterious impact of opioid misuse among immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have documented mental health issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) populations. Those with multiple minority identities may face greater mental health concerns due to minority stress. Little research has examined the mental health of LGBTQ+ adult children of immigrants. The objective of this study was to determine if family support, as measured by interpersonal and environmental microaggressions and microaffirmations, predicted levels of outness and levels of psychological well-being in LGBTQ+ adult children of immigrants and to assess whether family support was a moderator in the relationship between outness and well-being. 109 participants completed an online survey that included three measures and demographic information. Multiple regression showed that family support did not predict outness in LGBTQ+ adult children of immigrants, but environmental microaffirmations predicted psychological well-being and environmental microaggressions moderated the relationship between outness and psychological well-being. We discuss implications for helping professionals and future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and 2) infections among immigrants and refugees worldwide. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases were searched for studies published from their inception to 6 January 2023. A meta-analysis using a generalized linear mixed model with a random effect was performed for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the decade of study, sample size, confirmatory methods, region of study, risk group, and region of origin. Of the 381 studies initially identified, 21 were included. The pooled prevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was 1.28% (95% CI: 0.58, 2.81) and 0.11% (95% CI: 0.04, 0.33), respectively. HTLV-1 prevalence differed significantly by region of origin, with the highest prevalence among those from the Western Pacific Region (7.27%; 95% CI: 2.94, 16.83). The subgroup analysis also showed significant differences between the estimates of HTLV-1 considering the decade of study, sample size, and region of study. For HTLV-2, significant differences were shown in relation to sample size, confirmatory methods, and risk group. The higher HTLV-1 prevalence found deserves public health attention in immigrant and refugee-receiving non-endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Latinx immigrant youth are at greater risk for mental health (MH) concerns than their nonimmigrant Latinx peers. Efforts to address mental health disparities have resulted in the much-needed development of theoretical frameworks explaining mental health disparities in marginalized populations. A theoretical framework that is particularly relevant to mental health disparities among Latinx immigrant youth is the Cultural Stress Theory (CST); however, an expansion of this model is necessary to thoroughly describe and explain mental health risk in this population. Method: This article integrates two frameworks—Toxic Stress Theory and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities research framework—with CST to better explain mental health risk in Latinx immigrant youth. In doing so, we propose an expanded model that seeks to build on the strengths of CST in two important ways—expanding the breadth of relevant ecological domains and emphasizing the continued focus on specific mechanisms and their associations across levels. Results: The proposed expanded CST model acknowledges a range of influences from the broad systemic and sociopolitical level to the biological level to comprehensively guide research that can better explain mental health risk in Latinx immigrant youth. Conclusions: An expanded CST model that incorporates the two highlighted frameworks can elucidate additional mechanisms by which cultural stressors influence mental health risk in Latinx immigrant youth. Such mechanistic work holds the key to effectively reducing mental health disparities for Latinx immigrant youth. Public Significance Statement: Decades of research has shown that mental health risk continues to be a serious public health problem for Latinx immigrant youth. However, progress made toward reducing these mental health disparities has been slow. The proposed expanded CST can guide future research in identifying avenues for more effectively reducing these long-standing mental health inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard models of well-child care may not sufficiently address preventive health needs of immigrant families. To augment standard individual well-child care, we developed a virtual group-based psychoeducational intervention, designed to be delivered in Spanish as a single, stand-alone session to female caregivers of 0–6 month-olds. The intervention included a video testimonial of an individual who experienced perinatal depression followed by a facilitated discussion by the clinic social worker and an orientation to relevant community resources by a community health worker. To assess feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, we conducted an open pilot within an academic pediatric practice serving predominantly Latinx children in immigrant families. Participants included 19 female caregivers of infants attending the practice, of whom 16 completed post-intervention measures and 13 completed post-intervention semi-structured interviews. Quantitative measures of acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention were high. We found preliminary effects of the intervention on postpartum depression knowledge and stigma in the expected direction. In interviews, participants described increases in their familiarity with postpartum depression and about relevant community resources, including primary care for caregivers. Participants reported an appreciation for the opportunity to learn from other caregivers and provided suggestions for additional topics of interest. Trial registration: Registered 6/21/22 as NCT05423093. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative high schools (AHS) are designed to provide individualized education, more flexible scheduling, and smaller class sizes for students referred out of traditional high school. AHS students report higher levels of substance use (SU) and face disproportionately higher levels of trauma and toxic stress than their traditional high school peers. We sought to examine whether generational immigration (GenIm) status modifies the association of mental health and SU among AHS students using a longitudinal study of 1,060 Southern California AHS students. Subscales from the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were administered. Effect modification was examined by GenIm status defined as first generation (born outside of the United States), second generation (born in the United States with a parent born outside the United States), or third generation (born in the United States with US-born parent(s)). Main outcomes included the number of times different substances were used in the past year over a 3-year period. Multilevel, negative binomial, covariate-adjusted latent growth curve models generated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the time-varying association between depression, anxiety, or stress and the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, alcohol, or marijuana. Multiple-group models examined effect modification by GenIm status. The link between mental health and SU was stronger among first- and second-generation students than third-generation students. For example, a one-unit increase in stress relative to the average stress of students from the same school was associated with an increase in the rate of e-cigarette use among first-generation (IRR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.07–3.85), second-generation (IRR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.86–2.72), and third-generation (IRR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.31–2.16) students. Effective strategies tailored to subgroups of AHS students are needed to counter disparities between traditional and alternative school systems that may contribute to long-term trajectories of SU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to explore how Latina adolescent immigrants experience immigration across adolescence as they seek to know and express their authentic selves through dress and appearance. Our work was informed by theories of acculturation, identity, and authenticity. Participants included 12 immigrant women who identified as Latina and who immigrated before age 16. Open-ended interviews focused on participants' memories of their immigration experiences during adolescence. Data were analyzed using constant comparison processes. Findings revealed that, for participants, the typical challenges of adolescence were complicated by immigration that included constructing an authentic identity at the intersection of two cultures. Immigration produced a disjointed dance towards authenticity with many uneven steps, sharp turns, and the occasional reversal. Dress was a key means for the expression of the authentic self; a self that communicated to the culture of settlement who they were and how their culture of origin was part of their authentic self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Trakya Journal of Education is the property of Trakya Journal of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background and Aim Vaccination programs become increasingly crucial during migratory movements driven by conflict and other disruptions. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood vaccination hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection and identify areas for targeted interventions. Method A total of 227 Syrian parents attending three Immigrant Health Centers in Sultangazi were assessed using the Arabic version of the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, conducted between October and December 2023. Results The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among these parents was found to be 10.6%. An inverse correlation was observed between maternal education level and vaccine hesitancy, indicating that higher education levels were associated with lower levels of hesitancy. Conclusion The observed rate of vaccine hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Tailored vaccination strategies for immigrant populations are essential to improve immunization rates and ensure the health and well-being of these communities.

The mental health of the United States' Latino population significantly deteriorated during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, and Latino immigrants living in rural areas faced unique vulnerabilities. However, few studies have specifically examined the mental health burden and experiences of rural Latino immigrants during the COVID pandemic. To understand the mental health experiences of first- and second-generation Latinos in rural areas, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 Latino residents of rural California counties during July 2020-February 2021 and screened all respondents for major depression and generalized anxiety symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD]-2 screeners. We explored the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in our sample, iteratively analyzed participants' narratives regarding the mental health impact of the pandemic, and used their mental health screener status to contextualize these narratives. Results indicated that nearly all respondents viewed mental health as a major concern, and 34% (n ​= ​12) of respondents screened positive for major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Respondents connected their mental health concerns to experiences of financial precarity, fear of contracting COVID-19, social isolation, and the challenges of remote schooling. Additional themes emerged around problems accessing the mental health care system, the utility of pre-pandemic mental health services, and using healthy coping mechanisms to alleviate psychological problems. Respondents' narratives tended to focus on the mental health challenges facing their family members, particularly their children. Our findings suggest that mental health intervention models that engage with multiple family members, policies that support infrastructure for encouraging exercise and outdoor activity, and ensuring access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health care for Latino communities may be important for protecting population mental health.

Group well-child care (GWCC) may promote interactive caregiving and prevent developmental delay.MethodThis cross-sectional study explored the association between GWCC attendance and odds for suspected developmental delay among low-income Asian immigrants as measured by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)-III at age 18 months.ResultsOdds for suspected developmental delay (OR=0.81, 95 % CI 0.40-1.62) were not significantly lower for GWCC infants. However, odds for developmental risk were significantly lower for GWCC infants in the ASQ's problem-solving domain (OR= 0.40, 95 % CI 0.17-0.92).ConclusionAmong low-income Asian immigrants, GWCC participation may be associated with lower odds for cognitive developmental delay.

• Diverse families in New Mexico during COVID-19 struggled to access child care. • Child care access is constrained even in the presence of expansive state policies. • Native American parents desire culturally and linguistically affirming child care. • Immigrant parents desire culturally and linguistically affirming child care. • Families in some communities have low trust in the quality of available child care. This qualitative study examined the child care usage, preferences, and access constraints experienced by diverse parents and primary caregivers in New Mexico in 2020 and 2021. It also investigated the accommodations or compromises families made in response to constraints. Recruitment focused on families with at least one child under age five in four groups of interest: Native Americans, Spanish speakers, Asian immigrants, and African and Middle Eastern refugees. The study found substantial commonalities across the groups, in that all struggled to access child care that they perceived as both affordable and high quality. Difficulties with transportation and finding care available during non-traditional hours emerged as challenges across populations. Families expressed distinct child care challenges and preferences grounded in their cultures, with Native American caregivers reporting limited care options for infants and toddlers on tribal lands, and a desire for care based in indigenous language and practices to help stem systemic cultural loss. Spanish speakers reported fewer access constraints than immigrant and refugee populations who spoke other languages, due in part to the widespread use of Spanish in New Mexico's communities and care settings. Families who did not speak English or Spanish described linguistic access barriers and expressed preferences for linguistically and culturally concordant care, including care that would provide foods and care grounded in Muslim culture. Findings have implications for policymakers seeking to incentivize and support a child care supply that will meet the needs of diverse families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family is an important protective factor for Latine immigrants. However, with most of the existing research focusing on overall family relationships, there is a knowledge gap about Latine couples and how their dyadic strengths may also be helpful in the face of immigration-related stressors. Using a Relational Cultural Theory framework, we conducted 16 semistructured interviews to qualitatively examine how eight Latine immigrant couples perceived their relationships positively impacted their immigration experiences. After analyzing over 20 hours of data, five themes emerged: (1) mutual support to overcome challenges and reach goals, (2) open communication based on respect, (3) working together as a team, (4) acceptance and admiration for each other, and (5) loving and being loved as a resource. Findings confirm the presence of significant relational strengths that can be leveraged in the management of immigration-related stressors. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study was to partner with community organizations to understand the research experiences of communities who speak languages other than English (LOE). Methods: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews in Spanish, Nepali, Mandarin, French, or Kizigua with LOE community members and community leaders who completed recruitment and data collection. Audio-recordings of the interviews were transcribed and translated. We conducted qualitative coding using a mixed deductive-inductive analysis approach and thematic analyses using three rounds of affinity clustering. This study occurred in partnership with an established community-academic collaboration. Results: Thirty community members and six community leaders were interviewed. 83% of LOE participants were born outside of the US and most participants (63%) had never participated in a prior research study. Six themes emerged from this work. Many participants did not understand the concept of research, but those that did thought that inclusion of LOE communities is critical for equity. Even when research was understood as a concept, it was often inaccessible to LOE individuals, particularly because of the lack of language services. When LOE participants engaged in research, they did not always understand their participation. Participants thought that improving research trust was essential and recommended partnering with community organizations and disseminating research results to the community. Conclusion: This study's results can serve as an important foundation for researchers seeking to include LOE communities in future research to be more inclusive and scientifically rigorous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper engages in a decolonial exploration of the immigrant experience through the lens of “otherness.” Drawing upon literature on postcolonialism and decoloniality, the paper sought to interrogate the discourses and structures that perpetuate the marginalisation and alienation of immigrant students within host societies. Data utilised in this paper emanated from a qualitative study that sought to capture the experiences of twelve immigrant students and twelve non-immigrant students from two secondary basic education learning institutions in Mthatha, situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The paper critically examines the role of colonial legacies, systemic inequalities, and cultural hegemony in producing and sustaining the otherness of immigrant students. In doing so, it offers insights into the complexities of immigrant identities and challenges dominant narratives that reinforce exclusionary practices. Ultimately, this decolonial inquiry provides recommendations that seek to contribute to broader discussions on social justice, inclusion, and the transformative potential of decolonising approaches in addressing issues of otherness within contemporary societies.

The aim of this paper is to interpret the political discourse employed in the process of integrating foreign nationals into Spain’s Armed Forces (2002-2017) and collate it with a wide range of primary sources. The sources include statistics from the Spanish Ministry of Defence, legislation, opinion polls conducted by the public research institute the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) and data series from Spain’s official statistics agency (INE). The study takes a constructivist approach that seeks to uncover the implicit elements underlying the discourses of public policies, ideas and ideological concepts. It offers a view that is complemented by a historical reconstruction of the facts and an institutional analysis that combines formal elements (laws, policies and opinion polls) with informal components (non-codified practices or ideas and shared meanings).

Abstract Background Perinatal psychological distress adversely impacts the well-being and social adjustment of parents and their children. Expectant parents who have migrated may be at higher risk for perinatal psychological distress due to various migration-specific stressors and healthcare service barriers. Limited studies have examined the perceived determinants of perinatal distress in immigrant parents, particularly men. This study explored first and second-generation immigrant parents’ lived experiences of social stressors and facilitators of perinatal psychological well-being. Methods Participants were recruited by convenience and purposive sampling as part of a larger study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with first and second-generation immigrant women and men in Quebec, Canada. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results Sixteen women (age = 34.8 ± 3.7 years) and ten men (age = 35.1 ± 4.9 years) from various ethnic backgrounds participated in the study at 7.4 ± 0.73 and 7.5 ± 0.72 months postpartum, respectively. Three themes were identified: (1) cultural pressures (cultural differences in parenting, gender-related cultural pressures, health and baby-related practices), (2) health and social service access (social benefits and resources, and systemic barriers in health care), and (3) discrimination (physical appearance or parental-related discrimination, gender-related discrimination, ethnic-related discrimination). First-generation immigrant parents reported greater acculturative stress (i.e. mental health stigma, health care access) and ethnic discrimination concerns related to their distress. Among men, barriers include feeling as though the paternal role was devalued by society and not receiving consideration by health care. Conclusions Our results highlight different social factors of perinatal well-being perceived by men and women from various ethnic and immigration backgrounds during the perinatal period. Perceived factors include macro-level factors, such as a country’s social climate, health and social policies and services, and social aspects of acculturative stress. Our findings suggest the need for continued efforts to challenge and eliminate discriminatory practices. Interventions and resources directed at first-generation immigrant parents should be bolstered. Understanding what parents perceive to facilitate or hinder their psychological well-being can help inform the development of tailored evidence-based programs and policies to better meet the mental health needs of Canadians and reduce gender disparities in the treatment of perinatal distress.

Abstract Background Although nutrition is an essential contributor to the quality of pregnancy outcomes, little is known about the experiences and influences affecting dietary behaviors during pregnancy among migrant women, particularly those from Myanmar, the largest immigrant population in Thailand. To fill this gap, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study to explore Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors concerning nutrition and food practices during pregnancy. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with fifty Myanmar immigrant pregnant women aged 18–45 years across all trimesters, who were recruited using purposive sampling from a public tertiary hospital. The FGDs were conducted in Thai or Myanmar using semi-structured guides that probed women’s pregnancy perceptions and experiences about nutrition and food patterns during pregnancy. The FGDs were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed. Direct content analysis was used to guide the analysis through an ecological perspective framework. Results The seven FGDs with fifty women revealed four major themes involving perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors. The qualitative results consisted of (1) a positive attitude toward better changes under difficult conditions (setting goals for infant health; uncertainty about changes); (2) beliefs about eating patterns and dietary practices during pregnancy (taboos aimed at protecting women’s health and ensuring safe childbirth; taboos aimed at guaranteeing infant safety); (3) limited access to appropriate information about nutrition (unclear dietary information from healthcare providers; ease of learning from experiences in informal social networks); and (4) difficult living conditions in a non-native setting (work-related influences on dietary behaviors; lack of comprehensible language to gain food literacy). In addition, the results were highlighted across four levels of ecological perspectives. Conclusions Immigrant pregnant women are a vulnerable population that should be treated with equity to ensure quality of life through optimal nutrition throughout pregnancy. Respectful care requires that healthcare providers develop culturally sensitive nutrition interventions to increase nutrition literacy, accessibility, and pregnancy outcomes.