Barriers for help-seeking refugee- and asylum seeker women with mental ill-health : A qualitative interview study

Abstract: Backround: Many patients from ethnic and minority groups have cultural needs and belief perceptions about health and care that differ from the mainstream population. To be able to cover the needs of the ongoing changing society in healthcare, does the nursing care professionals have awareness of the differences a patient’s cultural background is related to their health and how to help the patient in her new health related cultural environment. Aim: To explore the barriers and obstacles that refugee and asylum seeking women are faced with when looking for healthcare for mental ill-health in Sweden. Method: Qualitative in-depth interview study. Results: The result-analysis generated seven themas which were seen as a barrier or obstacle to seek healthcare to mental ill-health among refugee and asylum seeking women in Sweden. Knowledge about Swedish healthcare, Access to the healthcare and language, Somatic health problems, Education level, Economic situation, Prioritizing things in relation to health, and Taboos, shame, and fear of stigma around mental ill-health. Conclusions: This study shows that there are barriers and obstacles for refugee and asylum seeking women to seek healthcare for mental ill-health in Sweden. The study highlights the care professional’s knowledge cap about how to implement the law about care that cannot be delayed.