A scoping review of 21 studies on how culture, religion and spirituality affect the mental health care of African Australians. Faith can protect wellbeing but can also be a barrier to care, and services are often not culturally appropriate.
Resource type: Peer-reviewed study
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Intracommunity intersectional discrimination and its impact on psychological distress and smoking behavior among sexual minority men from minority ethnic backgrounds
A national survey of 1,056 Asian gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men in Australia. Racism and discrimination within LGBTQ+ communities was linked to higher psychological distress, which in turn was linked to smoking.
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Bridging Across the Digital Divide: Identifying the Extent to Which LGBTIQ+ Health Service Websites Engage Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Users
Reviewed Australian LGBTIQ+ health service websites for how well they serve CALD users. Most needed good English and digital skills and had few translated or CALD-specific resources.
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Mental health impacts of racial discrimination in Australian culturally and linguistically diverse communities: a cross-sectional survey
A survey of 1,139 people from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds in four Australian localities found that experiencing more racial discrimination was linked to worse mental health. The authors say preventing racism will do more than helping individuals cope with it.
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Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A major meta-analysis, led by Australian researchers, of 293 studies worldwide (mostly from the US). It found that racism is clearly linked to poorer mental health, including depression, anxiety and stress.
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Perinatal Distress and Depression in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australian Women: The Role of Psychosocial and Obstetric Factors
Used linked maternal health records from over 25,000 CALD women in Sydney to study distress and depression during and after pregnancy. Lack of partner support, family violence and past childhood abuse were linked to higher risk.
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A longitudinal study of the health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse caregivers of people with psychosis in Australia
Followed 52 carers from CALD backgrounds who look after someone with psychosis for 12 months. Many were socially isolated and distressed, and younger carers and spouses faced the biggest burden.
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Physical and Mental Health of Informal Carers from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Non-CALD Groups in Australia
A survey of 649 family carers compared the physical and mental health of CALD and non-CALD carers. Both groups had below-average health, and women carrying heavy care and household loads were most affected.
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The Need for Integration of Religion and Spirituality into the Mental Health Care of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in Australia: A Rapid Review
A rapid review finding that many CALD people use religious and spiritual practices to support their mental health and often turn to religious leaders. It argues for working with faith leaders and including these practices in mainstream care.
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Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Multicultural Australia: A Collaborative Regional Approach
Describes a Sydney regional program that promoted mental health in multicultural communities, including an in-language group mindfulness program. Community partnerships and training bilingual workers helped it reach more people.