Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Kelly D. Chermack

Abstract

AbstractMental illness is associated with poor quality of life evidenced by unemployment, homelessness, and substance abuse. Despite the adverse effects of mental illness, research has indicated that mental health-seeking behaviors and experiences in accessing mental health services among immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa are under-researched. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of sub-Saharan African immigrants in accessing mental health services in Baltimore, Maryland. To achieve the objective of this study, a descriptive research study was conducted utilizing semistructured one-on-one in-depth interviews with eight sub-Saharan African immigrants in Baltimore. Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic data analysis approach was adopted resulting in five main findings. The study findings indicated the following: (a) stereotyped beliefs about mental health contributed to poor health-seeking behaviors among immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa, (b) there is limited mental health knowledge among sub-Saharan African immigrants, (c) low-income levels and lack of health insurance limit immigrants’ access to mental health services, (d) undocumented immigrants lack access to mental health services due to fear of deportation, and (e) low English language proficiency among immigrants limits access to mental health services. From the findings, it is plausible to conclude that sub-Saharan African immigrants face diverse challenges that hinder access to mental health services. The findings may bring about positive social change by improving the mental health outcomes and service utilization among sub-Saharan African immigrant populations.

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