Notes
Key findings:
1) The overarching theme of the interviews was “The necessity of finding ways to survive in the face of intersecting challenges.”
2) The subtheme “struggles in Canada” discussed structural barriers to economic success, compounded discrimination across intersectional identities, and the burden of the double gender duty.
3) The subtheme “consequences” discussed the psychological and social impacts of the above on the women.
4) The subtheme “surviving the storm” discussed finding new extended supports and family in Canada, resilience and strength through adversity, survival through spiritual support, becoming bicultural and proactive problem solving.
Key populations: African immigrant women in Southern Alberta
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
The majority of participants were already Canadian citizens, so findings may have changed if the women had more variance in immigration status.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key recommendations:
1) Create knowledge translation and education sessions for immigrant women, service providers, and policy makers regarding these findings.
2) Further explore how African immigrant women’s cultural perspectives of mental health influence their mental health symptoms and their use of mental health services.
Location: Lethbridge and Calgary, AB
