Mental health and discrimination among migrants from Africa: An Italian cross‐sectional study

• Published in: Journal of community psychology Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. 601 - 619
• Main Authors: Voglino, Gianluca, Gualano, Maria Rosaria, Lo Moro, Giuseppina, Forghieri, Pietro, Caprioli, Marco, Elhadidy, Heba Safwat Mhmoued Abdo, Bert, Fabrizio, Siliquini, Roberta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2022; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Africa South of the Sahara; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Black people; Citizens; Cross-Sectional Studies; depression; depressive disorder; Discrimination; Humans; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental Health; Mental health care; Migrants; Parents & parenting; Post traumatic stress disorder; posttraumatic, stress disorders; Short; Short s; Transients and Migrants; Africa South of the Sahara; Africa; depressive disorder; anxiety; depression; posttraumatic, stress disorders; transients and migrants; mental health
• ISSN: 0090-4392; 1520-6629
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22685

This study aimed to assess depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and discrimination in African migrants and investigate determinants. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Italy (July 2019–February 2020). Inclusion criteria: being a citizen of an African country or having parents who are citizens of an African country. Questionnaires included tests for depression, anxiety, PTSD, discrimination. Multivariable regressions were performed. Participants were 293. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD was: 12.1%, 12.1%, and 24.4%. Only 7.2% declared not to be discriminated. Among significantly associated factors, waiting for/being in possession of temporary permits and discrimination were associated with all mental outcomes. Being (or having parents from) Sub‐Saharan Africa increased the likelihood of discrimination. A relevant prevalence of mental illnesses was reported. Particularly, Sub‐Saharan Africans potentially offer a unique point of view. Migrants' mental health should be a priority for national and international programs of health monitoring.