Cultural Stigma Research Articles

Perception in Uniform: A Study of Police Attitudes towards the Transgender Community in Pakistan

This study analyzes the complicated relationships between the police force and the transgender population in Pakistan. While laws like 2018's Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act are a step in the right direction, the transgender population still faces prejudice and violence, including from those in positions of authority. Using quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus groups, this study provides a sequential explanatory mixed-methods analysis of police opinions. In the quantitative stage, police officers' cognitive, affective, and behavioral attitudes are measured with a structured questionnaire; in the qualitative stage, the reasons for these attitudes are explored using thematic analysis. An intersectional analysis is used to investigate the relationship between many social identities and police training and policy. Findings demonstrate a gap between policy and practice, impacted by cultural stigma, lack of proper training, and personal prejudices. In order to create a police force that is more welcoming to all members of the community, the study finishes with suggestions on how policy and training can be improved and how the public can become involved. This study adds to the ongoing conversation on human rights and policing by stressing the critical importance of instituting structural reforms to guarantee the safety and respect of all citizens, regardless of their gender identity.

A mixed methods analysis of youth mental health intervention feasibility and acceptability in a North American city: Perspectives from Seattle, Washington.

In March 2021, the Governor of Washington declared a youth mental health crisis. State data revealed high rates of youth suicide and inadequate access to services. This study aims to ascertain the kinds of support across the mental health care continuum recommended by young people and key stakeholders who could assist with implementation in Seattle. We interviewed 15 key informants to identify the contextual, structural, and individual-level factors that increase the risk of poor mental health and deter access to care among youth. We complimented these data with a 25-item survey of 117 participants in King County to assess the feasibility and acceptability of interventions for youth mental health. We conducted a deductive thematic qualitative analysis of the interviews and performed descriptive analyses of the quantitative data, using t-tests and χ2 tests to summarize and compare participant characteristics stratified by age group. Qualitative informants attributed challenges to youth mental health to social isolation and relational problems. Example interventions included creating environments that increase belonging and implementation of culturally congruent mental health services. Quantitative study participants rated all evidence-based mental health interventions presented as highly acceptable. However, youth preferred interventions promoting social connectedness, peer support, and holistic approaches to care, while non-youth preferred interventions focused on suicide, and substance abuse prevention. Key informants and survey participants identified schools as the most important setting for mental health interventions. There were no significant differences among quantitative outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for interventions that reduce isolation and increase social connectedness to support youth mental health. As the city designs youth responsive interventions, schools and digital platforms should be prioritized. Engaging multiple stakeholders, particularly young people, tackling cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and improving access to safe community spaces are important considerations for youth mental health interventions.

"They Don't See Us": Asian Students' Perceptions of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment on Three California Public University Campuses.

Sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) are prevalent among college and university students; however, the experiences of ethnic minority students, especially Asians, are understudied. This study aimed to reduce this gap by exploring Asian students' perceptions of SVSH on three public university campuses in Southern California. We examined their perceptions about the campus environment related to SVSH, attitudes, and behaviors toward help seeking, and utilization of on-campus resources. A total of 23 in-depth interviews were conducted with Asian students enrolled at the three University of California campuses. Thematic coding was conducted to generate main themes and subthemes. Five main themes emerged: (a) SVSH is considered a "taboo" topic in Asian culture and family systems, and Asian student survivors are often reluctant to disclose incidents or seek support services. (b) Students did not feel their campus environments were tailored to understand or meet the sociocultural realities and needs of Asian student survivors. (c) Campus SVSH services and reporting processes were seen as non-transparent. (d) Peers were the major source of support and SVSH information, as opposed to official campus-based resources and training. (e) Survivors often conduct an internal cost-benefit analysis evaluating their decision about whether to report. This study highlights the lack of conversation surrounding SVSH in Asian families, and how the cultural stigma of sex and sexual violence prevented Asian students from receiving knowledge and resources about these topics in their families. Instead of relying on formal campus resources (e.g., Title IX and confidential advocacy services, mental health services), many students turn to their peers for support. Thus, facilitating peer support groups, training university students to support each other through SVSH incidents, and tailoring campus services to the diverse cultural backgrounds of students are key considerations to foster a safe campus environment and prevent SVSH.

Unraveling reproductive and maternal health challenges of women living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: a qualitative study

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) have the additional and unique need to seek sexual and reproductive health services. WLHA’s maternal health journeys can be shaped by the cultural norms and resources that exist in their society. This study sought to understand if and how WLHA’s family planning, pregnancy, and motherhood experiences could be influenced by the patriarchal culture, gender roles, and HIV stigma in Vietnam, specifically.MethodsBetween December 2021 and March 2022, 30 WLHA with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and childbirth experiences were interviewed in Hanoi, Vietnam. These semi-structured interviews covered topics including HIV stigma, gender norms, pregnancy experiences, and child-rearing challenges. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using ATLAS.ti.ResultsQualitative analyses of participant quotes revealed how limited information on one’s health prospects and reproductive options posed a significant challenge to family planning. Societal and familial expectations as well as economic circumstances also influenced reproductive decision-making. WLHA often encountered substandard healthcare during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Stigma and lack of provider attentiveness resulted in cases where women were denied pain relief and other medical services. Communication breakdowns resulted in failure to administer antiretroviral therapy for newborns. Motherhood for WLHA was shadowed by concerns for not only their own health, but also the wellbeing of their children, as HIV stigma affected their children at school and in society as well. Many WLHA highlighted the constructive or destructive role that family members could play in their childbirth decision-making and care-giving experiences.ConclusionsOverall, this study underscores the complex ways that cultural expectations, family support, and stigma in healthcare impact WLHA. Efforts to educate and engage families and healthcare providers are warranted to better understand and address the needs of WLHA, ultimately improving their reproductive and maternal health.

Flipping the heterosexual script: representing girls’ positive sexual health on Netflix

ABSTRACT Studies have documented how U.S. teen television programmes perpetuate a dominant heterosexual script in which girls are instructed to deny their sexual desire and to passively wait to be chosen by boys. This project explores how Netflix’s reputation for producing ‘quality television’ provides space for girl-centric programmes to flip conventions of genre and intervene in considerations of girls’ sexuality. We argue the Netflix shows I Am Not OK With This (2020), Trinkets (2019–20), Never Have I Ever (2020–2023), and Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020) flip the long-standing heterosexual script. Main girl characters are shown initiating heterosexual activity, understanding the importance of their own pleasure, demanding protection from pregnancy and STIs, and refusing to be victimized by cultural stigmas. Moreover, while earlier studies examined teen characters who were overwhelmingly white, middle-class and heterosexual – the Netflix girls (and boys) we study are much more diverse in terms of race, class, and sexuality, and the programmes open spaces for Black and Brown girls, in particular, to express and act on their sexual desires without being sexualized.

Christian Student Experiences During Peer Interactions in Undergraduate Biology Courses.

The tension between religion and science as a long-standing barrier to science education has led researchers to explore ways of improving the experiences of Christian students in biology who can experience their Christianity as stigmatized in academic biology environments. As undergraduate science classes become student-centered, interactions among students increase, and Christians may feel a need to conceal their religious identities during peer discussions. In this interview study, we used the social psychology framework of concealable stigmatized identities to explore 30 Christian students' experiences during peer interactions in undergraduate biology courses to find potential ways to improve those experiences. We found that students felt their religious identity was salient during peer interactions in biology, and students thought revealing their religious identity to peers in their biology courses could be beneficial, yet few actually did so. Additionally, though most students anticipated stigma, comparatively few had experienced stigma from other students in their biology courses, despite the prior documented cultural stigma against Christians in biology. These results indicate a need for future studies exploring the impact of learning environments in which students are given the opportunity to share their religious identities with one another, which could reduce their anticipated and perceived stigma.

Exploring women's hygiene practices in underserved communities: A case study in Elapatha rural area, Sabaragamuwa province, Sri Lanka

The results of this case study focus on the prevalence of exploring women's hygiene practices regarding “period poverty" in selected areas of Sri Lanka, which is defined as a lack of resources for menstruation management, cultural stigma, and insufficient financial means. In the Elapatha rural area of the Rathnapura district in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka, we carried out a cross-sectional case study regarding 4 MOH areas in 2023. Data on girls and women's menstrual histories, health-seeking behaviors, sample size (427), access to sanitary materials, and financial status were gathered for the study. According to overall findings, the average value of women who use pads is 17.28% and that of women who use clothes is 72.35%, respectively. While the percentage of school-aged children who use pads is less than 26%, most upper-middle-aged women use cloth. Over 75% of the women reported having menstrual problems and using "old clothes" as a sanitary product at some point in their lives, underscoring the dearth of availability of appropriate menstrual hygiene products. Studies recorded that living in distant and MOH regions, not having a government hospital in the Elapatha secretarial division, having low finances, and having less education were all linked to poor facilities. The study on period poverty becomes even more pertinent in light of Sri Lanka's current economic struggles, underscoring the necessity of reducing the cost of menstrual hygiene products. To help women in Sri Lanka better manage their menstruation, we suggest measures to lower the cost of menstrual hygiene products and to provide comprehensive reproductive health education to adolescent girls and women.

Cultural Myths, Superstitions, and Stigma Surrounding Dementia in a UK Bangladeshi Community

The last three census data highlighted that UK Bangladeshi communities have the worst health outcomes. This includes a higher risk of type two diabetes and heart diseases; both are risk factors for developing vascular dementia. However, little is known about Bangladeshi community members’ understandings of dementia, including cultural myths. This paper focuses on the cultural myths, superstitions, and stigma surrounding dementia in an English Bangladeshi community from the direct experiences of people living with dementia, their caregivers, and the views of dementia service providers/stakeholders. This qualitative research was undertaken with three distinct participant groups using semistructured interviews (n = 25), who were recruited from community settings. The first and second participant groups explored the experiences of people with dementia (n = 10) and their family caregivers (n = 10). The third group examined stakeholders’/service providers’ views (n = 5). Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Findings were reached using an interpretive approach, emphasising the sense people make in their own lives and experiences and how they frame and understand dementia. The study revealed that participants with dementia and their caregivers have “alternative” knowledge about dementia and do not necessarily understand dementia in a Westernised scientific/biomedical context. Misconceptions about dementia and belief in various myths and superstitions can lead people to go to spiritual healers or practice traditional remedies rather than to their GPs, delaying their dementia diagnosis. This paper concludes that there is a lack of awareness among the Bangladeshi participants and a need for targeted awareness about dementia to help dispel cultural myths and combat the stigma surrounding dementia within the Bangladeshi community.

Challenges and opportunities for improving mental health care and preventing suicide among people living with HIV: Perspectives of mental health professionals in Tanzania.

People living with HIV (PLWH) experience unique stressors that contribute to emotional distress, and PLWH are more than twice as likely to die by suicide when compared to the general population. In countries like Tanzania, there is a relatively high burden of HIV but few resources to support mental health needs. To gain a better understanding of mental health challenges experienced by PLWH in northern Tanzania and identify opportunities for intervention, we interviewed 12 mental health professionals working in the Kilimanjaro region. Thematic analysis was used to explore drivers and impacts of emotional distress, community influences on mental health, and gaps and barriers to existing mental health care. Perspectives from mental health workers highlight the compounding effects of stress related to HIV status, family conflict, finances, and other social challenges, which can lead to poor HIV treatment outcomes and suicidal ideation. Cultural beliefs and stigma surrounding both mental health and HIV limit care-seeking behavior for mental health issues. Those who do seek care often encounter barriers related to poor mental health infrastructure, including a lack of providers, limited financial resources, and little integration into other health services. There is a clear need for investment in the mental health care system, as well as interventions to improve knowledge and perceptions of mental health and comprehensively address stressors. We describe feedback on a proposed telehealth counseling intervention integrated into routine HIV services, which shows strong potential to mitigate barriers to mental health treatment, reduce suicidal ideation, and support the wellbeing of PLWH.

Navigating cultural and gender aspects of stigma among women living with HIV in Vietnam

Women living with HIV often face intersecting challenges of stigma and gender inequality. In Vietnam, this issue is potentially exacerbated by the patriarchal culture. From December 2021 to March 2022, we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 women living with HIV in Hanoi to better understand their experiences and the coping mechanisms to navigate HIV stigma, cultural beliefs and gender norms. The interviews explored various topics including women’s social and family roles in Vietnam, HIV-related beliefs, stigma and its impact on one’s health and coping strategies. Participants reported stereotypes that assumed that women living with HIV had either engaged in sex work or behaved promiscuously. These stereotypes render them vulnerable to judgement and discrimination owing to widespread expectations of female virtue. As a result, women living with HIV often enacted non-disclosure and self-isolation to avoid stigma. This self-stigmatisation negatively impacted their healthcare-seeking, employment opportunities and ability to fulfil traditional family-caring roles. Conversely, many participants exhibited resilience with the support of family and peers. Overall, the complex interplay between gender, culture and HIV stigma underscores the importance of developing culturally appropriate, multifaceted approaches to engaging family and peers, modifying gender-based discriminatory social practices and enhancing women’s self-efficacy and empowerment in Vietnam.

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: Current perspectives on diagnosis, monitoring and management with a focus on emerging therapies.

Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder, manifests in various phenotypes, with fistulizing perianal CD (CD-PAF) being one of its most severe phenotypes. Characterized by fistula formation and abscesses, CD-PAF impacts 17% to 34% of all CD cases and with a significantly deleterious impact on patient's quality of life, while increasing the risk for anorectal cancers. The pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic, immunological and environmental factors, with cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) playing pivotal roles. Diagnostic protocols require a multi-disciplinary approach including colonoscopy, examination under anesthesia and magnetic resonance imaging. In terms of treatment, biologics alone often prove inadequate, making surgical interventions such as setons and fistula surgeries essential. Emerging therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells are under study. The South Asian context adds layers of complexity, including diagnostic ambiguities related to high tuberculosis prevalence, healthcare access limitations and cultural stigma toward perianal Crohn's disease and ostomy surgery. Effective management necessitates an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach, especially in resource-constrained settings. Despite advances, there remain significant gaps in understanding the disease's pathophysiology and a dearth of standardized outcome measures, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive research.

What Do Farmers Need for Suicide Prevention: Considerations for a Hard-to-Reach Population.

Farmers have suicide rates much higher than the general population, with elevated mental health symptoms and high stress levels. Farmers are a hard-to-reach population due to occupational demands and a culture where conversations about mental health are often stigmatizing. This study explored ways to tailor suicide prevention strategies to unique characteristics of farmers by speaking with groups close to farmers who were open to discussing stress and suicide prevention: women married to farmers and agricultural Extension agents. Focus groups with women married to farmers (N=29) and interviews with agricultural agents from the university's local Cooperative Extension offices (N=13) from rural Georgia counties explored effective ways outreach and education about suicide prevention, mental health, and coping could be provided to farmers. Using a thematic analysis approach, qualitative coding was completed by two researchers (Cohens kappa=0.86), with initial codes collapsed into common themes. Four themes were identified: 1) Barriers due to the nature of farming, including time demands of farming and cultural stigma in help-seeking; 2) Acceptable messaging, including framing conversations as part of general health; 3) Make information accessible by making it brief, clear, and omnipresent through multiple media; and 4) Elements of effective information and education, including emphasizing "you're not alone" and connection, how to access supports and crisis services, educating people close to farmers, and motivating farmers by emphasizing that they could help another farmer with the information. Due to farmers' stoic identities and reluctance to admit mental health struggles, speaking with those close to farmers may help us better understand what is needed to tailor farmer suicide prevention strategies. The insights shared by participants suggest that culturally responsive outreach and education strategies, strengthening relationships through peer support, and gatekeeper training with specific trusted others are important ways to tailor suicide prevention strategies for this hard-to-reach group.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG IMMIGRANT WOMEN: CHALLENGES, CAUSES AND WAYS TO OVERCOME

The article is dedicated to the critical examination of domestic violence among immigrant women, focusing on the identification of challenges, underlying causes, and the development of effective countermeasures to address and prevent such violence. The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence in the context of immigrant populations and to unearth the complex interplay of cultural, social, and legal factors that influence these dynamics. The tasks of the research include: assessing the extent and nature of domestic violence within immigrant communities; exploring the cultural, social, and legal contributors to such violence; and identifying the barriers that prevent affected women from seeking and obtaining help. The results of the study reveal a nuanced understanding of domestic violence in immigrant communities, highlighting the multifarious barriers that immigrant women face, from language and cultural differences to legal and systemic obstacles. The results of the analysis showed that the principal issues faced by immigrant women in the sphere of domestic violence include alarmingly high instances of intimate partner violence, with reports from specific ethnic demographics indicating that as many as 61% of individuals may experience such abuse within their lifetimes. Cultural stigmas and language barriers are significant impediments, often deterring immigrant women from seeking necessary help and from leveraging the support mechanisms that exist. Сomplexities in navigating the legal and healthcare systems of their host countries contribute to a sense of disorientation and lack of support among these women. The absence of confidential and culturally sensitive interpreters in healthcare settings further obstructs open communication about experiences of domestic abuse. The practical significance lies in the article's potential to inform policymaking, enhance service provision, and guide community interventions, aiming to improve the safety and well-being of immigrant women.

Language as a Linguistic Barrier in Black Immigrants Accessing Domestic Violence Services

This research paper investigates the impact of language barriers on help-seeking behaviors among Black immigrants, with a focus on their experiences in various domains, including accessing and utilizing domestic violence services. The research engages ten service providers, including frontline workers from domestic violence agencies. The study adopts a qualitative approach, incorporating interviews and focus groups, to comprehensively explore the complexities of language barriers and Black immigrant help-seeking behaviors through service providers’ perspectives. The qualitative findings reveal that language proficiency plays a pivotal role in shaping the help-seeking behaviors of Black immigrants. Participants with limited language skills expressed challenges in articulating their needs, understanding available resources, and navigating different service systems. Moreover, cultural stigmatization surrounding help-seeking in certain communities further discourages Black immigrants from accessing support services, contributing to underutilization. The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive service provision and the need for social work practitioners to receive training in cultural competence. Bridging the linguistic divide and creating inclusive service delivery models are crucial steps toward providing equitable access to support resources for Black immigrants. Furthermore, the study calls for future research to explore effective interventions and strategies to overcome language barriers and encourage help-seeking behaviors in this vulnerable population.

Investigation of the Relationship between Thalassemia and Depression to Predict a Base for Rehabilitation Measures

This study examines the relationship between thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, and depression, a psychologically debilitating illness. Thalassemia, which is characterized by insufficient hemoglobin production, significantly affects the quality of life and well-being of patients. As more effective treatment and even a cure for thalassemia have become possible, attention is being drawn to the assessment of depression, which is common among those affected. In addition to investigating the relationship between depression and thalassemia, this research also aims to provide a basis for patient rehabilitation. The study is conducted with a sample of 60 subjects consisting of thalassemia and non-thalassemia children aged 4 to 14 years from different areas of the province. The Beck Depression Inventory scale’s second revision has been used for this purpose. The results confirmed the hypothesis that there is a positive correlation between thalassemia and depression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS t-test and revealed a significant level of comorbidity with a calculated coefficient alpha of 0.768, mean of 41.40, standard deviation (SD) of 2.009, Cohen’s d of 0.188, and significance of 0.50. These results are consistent with the previous research conducted by the Iranshahr Institute (2014-2015) indicating a marked occurrence of depression in thalassemia patients. This research is needed overall to understand the relationship between mental health problems and thalassemia. However, the scope of the study is limited to a local hospital with challenges such as language barriers and cultural stigma. Despite these limitations, this study highlights the need for further research on depression in thalassemia patients and suggests avenues for future research and therapeutic rehabilitation interventions. In addition, this topic can be further researched, as diseases such as thalassemia pose great challenges in dealing with those affected. It can also help parents support the suffering child in coping with the psychological burden of the physical illness.

Analysis and mapping of research on barriers to mental health service utilization in minority and underserved groups (1993-2022)

Purpose This paper aims to investigate research activity on barriers for minority and underserved groups to access and use mental health services. Design/methodology/approach Using Scopus, relevant articles published from 1993 to 2022 were collected. The final list included 122 articles. Findings Research hotspots included cultural and ethnic barriers, obstacles encountered by LGBTQ+ individuals, challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, limited access in rural areas and barriers affecting special populations. The top 10 cited articles focused on language barriers, cultural stigma, gender-specific challenges and systemic obstacles. New research avenues included the role of technology in overcoming barriers to access mental health services. Practical implications Policymakers and practitioners can use this knowledge to develop targeted interventions, enhance cultural competence, reduce stigma, improve rural access and provide LGBTQ+-affirming care, ultimately promoting equitable mental health care. Social implications This research underscores the importance of addressing mental health service barriers for equity and social justice. Neglecting these disparities can worsen mental health, increase health-care costs, reduce productivity and lead to higher social welfare expenses, perpetuating disadvantages. Originality/value This paper's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive analysis of barriers and facilitators to mental health service utilization among minority and underserved groups. It serves as a basis for developing evidence-based strategies to improve service accessibility and enhance the well-being of marginalized communities.

Perceptions of mental health providers of the barriers and facilitators of using and engaging youth in digital mental-health-enabled measurement based care.

Increased rates of mental health disorders and substance use among youth and young adults have increased globally, furthering the strain on an already burdened mental health system. Digital solutions have been proposed as a potential option for the provision of timely mental health services for youth, with little research exploring mental health professional views about using such innovative tools. In Alberta, Canada, we are evaluating the implementation and integration of a digital mental health (dMH) platform into existing service pathways. Within this paper we seek to explore mental health professionals' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators that may influence their utilization of digital MH-enabled measurement-based care (MBC) with the youth who access their services. A qualitative, descriptive methodology was used to inductively generate themes from focus groups conducted with mental health professionals from specialized mental health services and primary care networks in Alberta. As mental health professionals considered the barriers and facilitators of using dMH with youth, they referenced individual and family barriers and facilitators to consider. Providers highlighted perceived barriers, including: first, cultural stigma, family apprehension about mental health care, and parental access to dMH and MBC as deterrents to providers adopting digital platforms in routine care; second, perceptions of increased responsibility and liability for youth in crisis; third, perception that some psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders in youth are not amenable to dMH; fourth, professionals contemplated youth readiness to engage with dMH-enabled MBC. Participants also highlighted pertinent facilitators to dMH use, noting: first, the suitability of dMH for youth with mild mental health concerns; second, youth motivated to report their changes in mental health symptoms; and lastly, youth proficiency and preference for dMH options. By identifying professionals' perceptions of barriers and facilitators for youth users, we may better understand how to address misconceptions about who is eligible and appropriate for dMH through training and education.

Non-biological factors associated with postpartum depression among women in Shenzhen: a case-control study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) presents a significant public health challenge. While PPD's impact extends from maternal health to child development, cultural stigma and a lack of public awareness, particularly in developing countries, contribute to its underestimation and under diagnosed. This study investigated the non-biological associated factors for PPD in Shenzhen city due to its unique socioeconomic landscape, where rapid urbanization and migrant influx could uniquely impact maternal mental health. By identifying local PPD determinants, the research aimed to contribute to targeted mental health interventions in the region. Data were collected from May to December 2019 at the Luohu Maternal and Child Health Medical Center, Shenzhen. Inclusion criteria were postpartum women without psychiatric histories who live within the locality. The Chinese Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was utilized to confirm PPD diagnosis. Participant information including demographics, economic status and postnatal factors were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses of t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS 20.0, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The study included 430 healthy mothers and 73 PPD mothers. Several factors were found to significantly influence the onset of PPD (p < 0.05): age (OR = 0.921, 95% CI: 0.864-0.981); living with in-laws (OR = 2.133, 95% CI: 1.108-4.106); bottle feeding (OR = 3.757, 95% CI: 1.567-9.006); prenatal depression (OR = 3.515, 95% CI: 1.61-7.675); prenatal anxiety (OR = 6.072, 95% CI: 3.209-11.49); and adverse life events during pregnancy (OR = 3.287, 95% CI: 1.165-9.269). Other factors were not found to have a significant effect. Our study found that in the developed city of Shenzhen in Southern China, living with in-laws, exclusive bottle feeding, prenatal anxiety, depression, and adverse life events are non-biological associated factors for postpartum depression. The findings emphasize the importance of considering a range of factors when addressing maternal mental health within a specific local regions. It calls for targeted interventions or prevention program that take into considering the specific cultural, social, and individual factors.

Cultural Narratives and Their Impact on Family Mental Health

Objective: Cultural narratives significantly influence mental health perceptions, stigmatization, and coping mechanisms within families. This study aimed to explore the impact of cultural narratives on family mental health, identifying the key themes and categories that emerge from these narratives and their implications for mental health practice and policy. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 23 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the participants' experiences. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify main themes and categories, focusing on the nuances of cultural narratives and their impact on family mental health. Findings: Four main themes were identified: Cultural Identity and Mental Health, Family Dynamics, Coping Mechanisms, and Societal Influence. Within these themes, categories such as Cultural Stigma, Cultural Support Systems, Communication Patterns, Parenting Styles, Individual and Family Coping Strategies, and Access to Mental Health Services highlighted the complex interplay between culture and mental health. Key concepts emerged, including the role of shame and silence, community solidarity, acculturation stress, inter-generational trauma, and the importance of social support networks in navigating mental health within a cultural context. Conclusion: The study underscores the profound impact of cultural narratives on family mental health, revealing both barriers and supports influenced by cultural identity, family dynamics, societal factors, and coping mechanisms. It highlights the need for culturally sensitive mental health services and policies that recognize and address the diverse cultural narratives influencing mental health perceptions and practices.

Impact of Immigration Laws on Family Reunification: Narratives from Affected Families

The increasing complexity of immigration laws globally has profound effects on family reunification processes, often resulting in significant emotional, legal, economic, and social challenges for immigrants. This study aims to explore the impact of these laws on family reunification, specifically examining the personal narratives and experiences of affected families. The objective is to understand the multi-dimensional consequences of immigration policies on family dynamics and well-being. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 22 participants who have directly experienced the family reunification process under current immigration laws. Participants were selected through snowball sampling and outreach via immigrant advocacy groups, ensuring a diverse representation in terms of age, gender, and origin. Data collection aimed for theoretical saturation and was analyzed using NVivo software to identify themes related to the impacts of immigration laws on family reunification. Four main themes were identified: Emotional Impact, Legal and Administrative Barriers, Economic Consequences, and Social and Cultural Integration. Emotional impacts included stress, anxiety, loss, resilience, and effects on children. Legal and administrative barriers highlighted the complexity of legal processes, issues with accessibility of resources, and the implications of frequent policy changes. Economic consequences focused on financial strain, employment challenges, and housing instability. Social and cultural integration covered challenges related to cultural adaptation, community support, discrimination, stigma, and family dynamics. The study reveals that immigration laws intricately affect the emotional and psychological health, economic stability, and social integration of immigrant families. The findings underscore the need for policies that consider the profound human impacts of immigration laws, advocating for reforms that facilitate smoother and more humane family reunification processes.