Perspectives on mental illness stigma among African immigrant pregnant and post-partum women in an urban setting: a brief report

Abstract

PurposeThis study assessed the perspectives of pregnant and post-partum African immigrant women on mental illness.MethodsWe conducted a focus group session (N=14) among pregnant and postpartum African immigrant women in June 2020. We used an inductive driven thematic analysis to identify themes related to mental health stigma.ResultsFive core themes emerged: conceptualization of mental health, community stigmatizing attitudes, biopsychosocial stressors, management of mental health and methods to reduce stigma.ConclusionUnderstanding the perspectives of pregnant African immigrant women at the intersection of their race, ethnicity, gender and migration is necessary to improve engagement with mental health services.