Understanding experiences of mental health help-seeking in Arab populations around the world: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the first systematic review and narrative synthesis that focuses on mental health help-seeking among Arabs living in different countries around the globe. This included behaviours and attitudes towards mental health help-seeking, as well as barriers and facilitators to seeking psychological support in this population. We conducted this review in aim of understanding what factors may influence Arab's help-seeking and use of psychological services. We also aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on whether this may differ across Arab immigrants/refugees and Arabs residing in Arab countries. The results of this study provide an insight into help-seeking attitudes and behaviours among Arabs in different geographical contexts, and particularly what challenges they are facing. The review identifies support needed that could increase service use and awareness of available mental health support among Arabs. We hope that this paper will have a significant impact on shaping the support and services offered to ethnic minority Arab populations to encourage help-seeking.