Conceptualizations, Causal Beliefs, and Coping Mechanisms for Mental Health Conditions Among Ethiopian Youth in Atlanta.

BACKGROUND

Ethiopians are the second largest group of African immigrants in the USA. Although stressors experienced prior to, during, and post-migration have significant implications for mental health (MH) among immigrants and their children, there is a paucity of data on the MH of Ethiopians in the United States. This qualitative study aims to explore conceptualizations of mental health/illness, common mental health issues, and help-seeking among Ethiopian adolescents and young adults (AYA) in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews with 19 Ethiopian AYA aged 15-25 years and focus group discussions with 15 parents of AYA and community key informants.

RESULTS

AYA believe MH challenges are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors but exist within a larger Ethiopian community that attributes these challenges to weakness or supernatural influences. AYA highlighted intergenerational effects of migration such as cultural misunderstandings between parents and youth, excessive pressure to succeed academically, and de-prioritization of MH within the home as significant causes of mental distress especially present within the Ethiopian community. Depression, anxiety, and suicide were the most discussed MH challenges. Youth relied on social networks, hobbies, and faith to cope with mental health issues, which they saw as viable alternatives to professional mental health care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the complex interplay of biomedical and non-biomedical conceptualizations of MH among Ethiopian youth in the USA. Additional research and future interventions should focus on estimating the burden of MH issues among Ethiopian communities and designing interventions focused on resilience and cultural assets.