Knowledge and attitudes about mental health among older immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Israel and their primary care physicians

Abstract

Previous studies have documented a high prevalence of psychological distress and mental illness among older immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in Israel. Yet, this population rarely seeks help from mental health providers. The present study aimed to identify beliefs and attitudes about depression and anxiety among older immigrants from the FSU treated in primary care, and among their primary care physicians, who were also FSU immigrants. The study used focus group (FG) interviews with primary care patients (n = 12) and physicians (n = 23). The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using open thematic coding. Three main themes were identified: a) avoidance of discussion of mental health and stigma regarding mental illness; b) expectations to control one's mental state; and c) limited opportunities to acquire knowledge about Western mental health. Primary care physicians recognized the barriers facing their older immigrant patients concerning mental health diagnosis and treatment. Yet, due to work overload, their ability to assist older immigrants was limited. The findings suggest that older immigrants from the FSU might benefit from mental health information and exchange of ideas about Western mental health.

Ethnic Differences in Attitudes and Preventive Behaviors Related to Alzheimer’s Disease in the Israeli Survey of Aging

“…Although a recent review of attitudes towards people with disabilities revealed that in many samples people hold less positive attitudes towards intellectual disability [ 21 ], this review did not address culture and found conflicting evidence regarding religious beliefs. The interpretation that attitudes towards illness, especially mental illness, are culturally constructed, is supported by previous literature [ 67 , 68 ]. The relatively negative attitude towards PwAD exhibited by immigrants from the FSU may be construed as reflecting attitudes towards mental illness.…”

“…The relatively negative attitude towards PwAD exhibited by immigrants from the FSU may be construed as reflecting attitudes towards mental illness. Basic assumptions in the Soviet construal of persons with mental illness are the existence of a flaw and a lack of “dusha” [ 67 , 69 ]. In the Soviet society, which valued people by their contribution to the workforce, individuals with mental illness were regarded as non-beneficial, unnecessary, and perhaps even “redundant”.…”

War Psychiatry: Identifying and Managing the Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Armed Conflicts

“…54 As a result, the older generation in ex-Soviet countries is more reluctant to seek mental health care than the younger one, as they remember the oppressive history of the psychiatry system. 55 Furthermore, due to high stigma and shame, people fear being labeled negatively by their communities for seeking treatment and therefore, they prefer to do so anonymously. People also fear having a public medical record that identifies them as mentally ill, as this could reduce their chances of securing employment opportunities.…”

“…For the refugees and internally displaced who were able to flee the war-affected regions, general lack of awareness regarding mental health services, discrimination, marginalization, differences in healthcare approach, language and interpretational barriers, and views of parents or relatives about the Western diagnostic paradigms remain significant issues that need to be addressed. 55 , 56 Financial and logistical issues also remain to be addressed.…”

Cultural competence in multi-family psychoeducation groups: The experiences of Russian-speaking immigrant mothers of adults with severe mental illness

“…At the same time, FSU immigrants display relatively negative attitudes toward mental health services and utilize them at low levels ( Ristner et al, 2000 ; Shor, 2006 ). Additionally, FSU immigrants who have received mental health services and treatments report low levels of satisfaction ( Dolberg et al, 2019 ; Knaifel & Mirsky, 2015b).…”