DECLINED - Oral: Immigration and Mental Health: Qualitative Study of Iranian and Afghan Immigrants in Miami-dade County

Brief Abstract Summary: 1. Learning about the intersection of immigration and mental health 2. Gaining more profound insights into the lived experiences of Iranian and Afghan immigrants after entering the United States (U.S.)based on a grounded theory approach that reveals how post-immigration difficulties, including cultural stigma, trauma, and the stress of acculturation, contribute to mental health issues and the degree of resiliency 3. Discover the factors that shape help-seeking behavior among Iranian and Afghan immigrants to address their mental health issues 4. Recognizing practical applications by informing mental health practitioners, policymakers, and community organizations about culturally sensitive approaches to support the mental health of Iranian and Afghan immigrants as marginalized communities in the U.S. effectively.

Detailed abstract description: The United States (U.S.) is home to the most immigrants worldwide. The largest flood of immigrants has entered the U.S. in the last 20 years. Notably, there has been a rise in the number of Iranian and Afghan immigrants and refugees. Iranians and Afghans have a significant proportion of immigrants leaving the Middle East. During and after immigration, immigrants endure a variety of psychological and physical health complications, especially in the first years of arrival to the host country. Iranian and Afghan immigrants have faced not unique challenges during the immigration process, such as the travel ban, political changes, forced displacement, exposure to potentially traumatic events, and sanctions, but many also continue to be negatively impacted by the post-immigration difficulties and suffer more from feelings of distress compared to the other groups. Given multiple predisposing factors, Iranian and Afghan immigrants have been placed among the most vulnerable populations to the effects of mental health issues. In this study, we aimed to 1)Identify the most influential stressors for Iranians and Afghans post entering the U.S, 2) Understand how immigration shapes the mental health-seeking behaviors of this group, 3) Examine access to and adequacy of current mental health supporting resources and services and finding existing gaps. In this study, we collected qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with Iranian and Afghan immigrants (n=35) and mental health professionals (n=15). An initial literature review informed interview guideline development and provided baseline data on the primary constructs of this study. Additionally, adapting questions from existing instruments to assess challenges in mental health and employing expert consultation and peer debriefing ensured the validity of the interview guidelines. The thematic category that emerged in this study unlocked the complexities of post-immigration challenges and their profound impact on the mental health of Iranian and Afghan immigrants. Using grounded theory explored the unique struggles these communities face, including cultural stigma, trauma from displacement, and the stress of adapting to a new environment. In this study, we discovered how these challenges manifest in mental health issues, providing a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to anxiety, depression, and resilience among immigrants. The critical barriers to accessing mental health services are cultural misunderstandings and logistical obstacles. The findings of this study highlighted the importance of culturally competent care and the need for tailored support strategies that respect the values and experiences of Iranian and Afghan communities. It also explored the pivotal role of community organizations in addressing mental health needs, emphasizing collaborative approaches that foster the well-being and empowerment of immigrant populations.