Mental Health Attitudes and Perspectives of Arab Americans: Exploring Preferred Mental Health Resources, Perceived Barriers to Treatment, and Telemental Health

• Published in: International journal of migration, health and social care Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 525 - 539
• Main Authors: Kidess, George Ghassan Issa, Browning, Liam, Oska, Nicole, Hinchey, Liza, Saleem, Arwa, Knill, Sadie, Elhage, Malaak, Javanbakht, Arash
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hove Emerald Publishing Limited 21-11-2024; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Acculturation; Age differences; Arab Americans; Arab people; Attitudes; Barriers; Bilingualism; Community; Cultural differences; Culture; Gender differences; Health behavior; Health services; Help seeking behavior; Medical personnel; Mental disorders; Mental health care; Mental health services; Minority & ethnic groups; Perceptions; Population; Preferences; Primary care; Religion; Stigma; Telemedicine; Treatment preferences; United States > US; Michigan; Attitudes; Arab American; Telemedicine; Mental health; Stigma (MeSH)
• ISSN: 1747-9894; 2042-8650
• DOI: 10.1108/IJMHSC-02-2024-0024

Purpose
Arab Americans experience higher rates of mental illness and lower rates of treatment compared to the general population. While some factors leading to this disparity have been proposed, data in the literature remains lacking. This study aims to explore the mental health perspectives of Arab Americans living in Southeastern Michigan regarding barriers to mental health treatment, treatment resource preferences and telemental health preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
Responses were collected through an anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey from both Arab and non-Arab participants (n = 294, ages 18+) in Southeastern Michigan. Participants’ perceptions regarding mental health barriers, resource preferences and telemental health were assessed. Comparisons were performed between Arabs and non-Arabs, and among Arabs.
Findings
Compared to non-Arabs, Arabs were less likely to seek mental health treatment from a therapist or a primary care provider and were more likely to not seek treatment. Arabs were more likely than non-Arabs to list fear of being called crazy by others and cultural barriers. With regards to preferences on telemental health utilization, no significant differences between Arab and non-Arab participants were found.
Originality/value
The results provide insights into Arab-American mental health perspectives, especially pertaining to mental health barriers, resources and telemental health preferences, adding a novel perspective on the mental health preferences of Arab-American subgroups, especially regarding gender and age differences. This study highlights the Arab-American population as a nuanced and diverse group, emphasizing the importance of future studies to show a more complete picture of Arab-American mental health.