Mental health interventions for African refugees resettled in North America: A systematic review

Abstract

The number of African refugees migrating to North America (the United States and Canada) has increased significantly over the past decade. Notwithstanding, the prevalence of mental health disorders among African refugees signals an urgent need to address them. We reviewed mental health interventions tailored to African refugees in North America, identified existing gaps, and suggested mental health services improvement recommendations. Using PRISMA guidelines, we identified (n = 1,164), screened (n = 989), assessed (n = 79), and included (n = 7) peer-reviewed articles detailing interventions that addressed mental health and its associated concerns among African refugees in North America. Our results showed that pre-migration perils and acculturation stressors exacerbated mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Interventions that culturally adapted cognitive behavior therapy, peer support, and psycho-education effectively reduced mental health symptoms and improved life satisfaction. Future interventions should contextualize and incorporate African cultural beliefs and practices within community settings to promote mental health services.