Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Black people are a growing population in Canada, but limited data are available on the factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth in Canada. We sought to explore the factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth in Alberta, Canada.Methods
Using a youth-led participatory action research approach and an intersectional feminist theoretical perspective, we collected data from a diverse sample of Black youth (aged 16-30 yr) in Alberta. We conducted individual interviews and conversation cafés with Black youth.Results
We completed 30 individual interviews and 4 conversation cafés with a total of 99 Black youth. Participants identified the dominant factors contributing to mental health problems as racial discrimination, the intergenerational gap in families, microaggression and stigma, academic expectations, financial stress, lack of identity, previous traumatic events and religion. They also identified factors that contributed positively to mental health, including a sense of accomplishment, openness about mental health, positive relationships, sense of community and spirituality.Interpretation
Black youth in Alberta reported that anti-Black racism and intergenerational tensions are major factors that contribute to their mental health, which suggests a need to address anti-Black racism and ensure more equitable approaches for Black youth in Alberta.
SUBMITTER: Salami B
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9616134 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Salami Bukola B Idi Yawa Y Anyieth Yar Y Cyuzuzo Lisa L Denga Benjamin B Alaazi Dominic D Okeke-Ihejirika Philomina P
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne 20221001 41
<h4>Background</h4>Black people are a growing population in Canada, but limited data are available on the factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth in Canada. We sought to explore the factors that contribute to the mental health of Black youth in Alberta, Canada.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a youth-led participatory action research approach and an intersectional feminist theoretical perspective, we collected data from a diverse sample of Black youth (aged 16-30 yr) in Alberta. We cond ...[more]