Advancing mental health and equity: understanding the determinants of psychological distress among Africans living in Western Australia
1
1 Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
2
2 Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health (CERIPH), Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2690
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
World leaders have reinforced their commitment to advancing mental health, as evidenced by the recent adoption of the political declaration at the United Nations General Assembly to combat non-communicable diseases and mental health challenges. Despite sustained efforts, inequities in mental health outcomes persist with groups such as migrants disproportionately affected. The paucity of policy-relevant research has hindered efforts to improve mental health within migrant communities. This study investigated the factors contributing to psychological distress among a specific migrant population in Western Australia (WA).
METHODS:
The study analysed cross-sectional survey data from 2,048 WA residents of African descent aged 16 years and over, drawn from the WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System covering the period 2007 to 2021. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with psychological distress in this population.
RESULTS:
The multivariable analysis showed that living with a disability or long-term illness (AOR=4.25 95% CI 2.11-8.54) or living with other family member with a disability or long-term illness (AOR=2.18 95% CI 1.21, 3.91), experiencing 2 (AOR=3.82 95% CI 1.85, 7.90) or 3 or more stressful events (AOR=6.60 95% CI 3.42, 12.75) were strongly associated with psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS:
Psychological distress among people of African descent residing in WA was associated with disability or long-term illness, and stressful major life events. These findings highlight the need for state-level policies, mental health services, and health promotion initiatives to be culturally responsive and inclusive of migrant communities’ needs and experiences.
World leaders have reinforced their commitment to advancing mental health, as evidenced by the recent adoption of the political declaration at the United Nations General Assembly to combat non-communicable diseases and mental health challenges. Despite sustained efforts, inequities in mental health outcomes persist with groups such as migrants disproportionately affected. The paucity of policy-relevant research has hindered efforts to improve mental health within migrant communities. This study investigated the factors contributing to psychological distress among a specific migrant population in Western Australia (WA).
METHODS:
The study analysed cross-sectional survey data from 2,048 WA residents of African descent aged 16 years and over, drawn from the WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System covering the period 2007 to 2021. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with psychological distress in this population.
RESULTS:
The multivariable analysis showed that living with a disability or long-term illness (AOR=4.25 95% CI 2.11-8.54) or living with other family member with a disability or long-term illness (AOR=2.18 95% CI 1.21, 3.91), experiencing 2 (AOR=3.82 95% CI 1.85, 7.90) or 3 or more stressful events (AOR=6.60 95% CI 3.42, 12.75) were strongly associated with psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS:
Psychological distress among people of African descent residing in WA was associated with disability or long-term illness, and stressful major life events. These findings highlight the need for state-level policies, mental health services, and health promotion initiatives to be culturally responsive and inclusive of migrant communities’ needs and experiences.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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