Mental health problems of undocumented migrants (UMs) in The Netherlands: a qualitative exploration of help-seeking behaviour and experiences with primary care.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore health-seeking behaviour and experiences of undocumented migrants (UMs) in general practice in relation to mental health problems.

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and thematic analysis.

Participants

15 UMs in The Netherlands, varying in age, gender, country of origin and education; inclusion until theoretical saturation was reached.

Setting

4 cities in The Netherlands.

Results

UMs consider mental health problems to be directly related to their precarious living conditions. For support, they refer to friends and religion first, the general practitioner (GP) is their last resort. Barriers for seeking help include taboo on mental health problems, lack of knowledge of and trust in GPs competencies regarding menta

SUBMITTER: Teunissen E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4244440 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature