Exploring Disparities in Access and Utilization of Mental Health Care Among South Asian Youth: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Mental health plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing. The mental health of youth in earlier ages (i.e., 15 to 24-years-old) sets the foundation for their mental health later in life. Youth in Canada may experience delayed or even poor access to mental health care (MHC). Racialized youth may face a greater risk of mental health problems and face barriers to help-seeking. South Asian Canadians have a high proportion of unmet mental health needs but a low utilization of services. We sought to understand what disparities, if any, may exist in the patterns of access and utilization of MHC among South Asian youth. Methods: A convergent mixed methods design was used. Phase I utilized the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey to conduct descriptive analyses. Phase II entailed a qualitative descriptive methodology with semi-structured interviews to understand experiences of South Asian youth with mental health and MHC. Phase II data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Both phases were then integrated. Results: Key findings from Phase I indicated that most South Asian youth turned to informal mental health support. Lower perceived needs may mediate the relationship between South Asian identity and the use of professional MHC. Findings from Phase II involved three larger themes which described mental health of South Asian youth in the local context: (1) Cultural Factors Fostering Positive Mental Health; (2) Cultural Factors Promoting Negative Mental Health; (3) The Journey to Accessing Mental Health Supports. Integration showed areas of convergence, divergence, and expansion. Discussion: A reliance on support networks appeared to foster positive mental health. Factors that promoted mental wellbeing could contribute to a low perceived need for formal MHC services and mediate use of formal supports. Cultural factors such as stigma, gendered expectations, pressures to excel, and disconnect with parents could be connected to the low utilization of MHC. Conclusion: The findings from our mixed-methods study generated a comprehensive understanding of factors impacting access and use of MHC among South Asian youth so that we can support populations in a meaningful manner.