Culturally Adapted Mental Health Education Programs for Migrant Populations: A Scoping Review

TL;DR

This review explores how culturally adapted mental health education programs can help migrants in Canada by improving mental health and reducing barriers to care.

Contribution

The study identifies key themes and outcomes of culturally adapted mental health education programs for migrants, emphasizing their effectiveness and feasibility.

Findings

Culturally adapted mental health education programs show positive outcomes like increased mental health literacy and reduced stigma.

Effective programs integrate traditional healing practices and use evidence-based frameworks like cognitive–behavioral therapy.

Community-based peer support models and holistic approaches are key features of successful migrant mental health interventions.

Abstract

Migrant populations drive Canada’s demographic expansion, making their successful integration a national priority. However, research has consistently shown that refugees and immigrants experience declining mental health and encounter significant barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health support. This scoping review examined the breadth of evidence on culturally adapted mental health education (MHE) programs for migrant populations, including those that integrate traditional and complementary healing practices, and their effectiveness. Systematic searches across six databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL, and Scopus) identified 4075 peer-reviewed articles, with 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria. These included mental health education and awareness programs that integrate psychoeducation and skill-building. Inclusion criteria required cultural adaptation of programs through one or more approaches such as language modification, culturally adapted content, community-based delivery, or integration of traditional and complementary healing practices. Thematic analysis of the programs revealed seven key themes characterizing effective MHE programs: cultural adaptation and sensitivity, addressing unique migration-related stressors, integration of traditional and Western approaches, use of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practices, rigorous evaluation methodologies, application of holistic frameworks, and community-based peer support models. Programs predominantly utilized psychoeducation and culturally adapted interventions, with common theoretical frameworks including cognitive–behavioral therapy and the PRECEDE–PROCEED model. Across the reviewed studies, program evaluations reported positive outcomes including increased mental health literacy, reduced stigma, enhanced coping skills, and decreased depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, suggesting that culturally adapted MHE programs are acceptable and feasible interventions for migrant populations.

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