Utilizing the health belief model to explore factors influencing intention to seek mental health services in chaldean adults

Abstract

Since the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003, three-fourths of the Chaldean population fled the country, seeking refuge from persecution by militant groups. This resulted in a Chaldean diaspora, with hundreds of thousands relocating from their homeland and remaining dispersed outside Iraq (Miri, 2020). Michigan is home to approximately 160,000 Chaldean people and has the highest concentration of Chaldean refugees living within the U.S. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a growing concern for vulnerable populations, including Chaldean immigrants and the general Chaldean community. While 13.3 of Chaldeans in Michigan self-reported depression, it is speculated this number is higher due to community stigmas and cultural beliefs leading to underreporting of symptoms. As a result, psychological distress can lead to unhealthy coping behavior and delayed mental health treatment. While evidence supports a high incidence of mental health illnesses, including depression and PTSD, among the Arab population, literature assessing the Chaldean population remains understudied. This quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational/inferential research study examined barriers and factors influencing the intention to seek mental health treatment among the adult Chaldean population of southeastern Michigan using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the guiding theoretical framework. Participants (n=138) completed an 87-item survey containing five reliable and valid questionnaires: Strength of Cultural Affiliation Scale, Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, Health Beliefs about Mental Illness Instrument, Social Support Scale, and General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. These instruments measured key HBM concepts, including modifying factors, individual beliefs, and cues to action. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics (counts and percentages) for demographic variables and correlation and regression analyses to address the study research questions and aims. Given the limited mental health research on Chaldeans, this project adds to the scientific base for nursing practice by examining different predictors and barriers of accessing mental health services in this population. The results of this study allow healthcare providers to target educational interventions for the Chaldean population that facilitate positive mental health outcomes through improved help-seeking behavior and treatment. Moreover, healthcare professionals can tailor culturally competent care to improve recognition of mental health illness and treatment access in this population.