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Immigrant and refugee populations face multiple barriers to accessing mental health services. This scoping review applies the (Levesque et al. in Int J Equity Health 12:18, 2013) Patient-Centred Access to Healthcare model in exploring the potential of increased access through virtual mental healthcare services VMHS for these populations by examining the affordability, availability/accommodation, and appropriateness and acceptability of virtual mental health interventions and assessments. A search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, EMBASE, SOCINDEX and SCOPUS following (Arksey and O'Malley in Int J Soc Res Methodol 8:19–32, 2005) guidelines found 44 papers and 41 unique interventions/assessment tools. Accessibility depended on individual (e.g., literacy), program (e.g., computer required) and contextual/social factors (e.g., housing characteristics, internet bandwidth). Participation often required financial and technical support, raising important questions about the generalizability and sustainability of VMHS' accessibility for immigrant and refugee populations. Given limitations in current research (i.e., frequent exclusion of patients with severe mental health issues; limited examination of cultural dimensions; de facto exclusion of those without access to technology), further research appears warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This brief report explored trends of cigarette smoking among Syrian newcomers in the first two years of resettlement in Canada. 1794 adult Syrian refugees were surveyed about their physical and mental health, and smoking behaviours. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and logistic regressions. Almost 27% of the sample reported cigarette smoking (50% light smokers and 50% moderate/heavy smokers). Light smokers increased and moderate/heavy smokers decreased in the number of cigarettes smoked from year 1 to year 2. Moderate/heavy smokers were more likely to be male and reported higher post-traumatic stress scores, while light smokers reported higher depression scores. Only 14.3% of smokers recalled receiving advice from health care providers in Canada regarding their smoking habits. Healthcare providers should provide tailored advice to everyone who is an active smoker with a specific emphasis on those who have concurrent health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction is presented to the article titled "Access to Virtual Mental Healthcare and Support for Refugee and Immigrant Groups: A Scoping Review," which appeared in the July 31, 2023, issue.

Despite growing concerns about common mental disorders (CMDs), challenges persist in accessing timely and appropriate care, especially for immigrant, refugee, racialized and low-income groups. Partnering with a community health centre serving these populations in Toronto, we examined the Interactive Computer-assisted Client Assessment Survey (iCCAS) that screens for CMDs (depression, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol overuse) and related social factors. In this case study design with embedded units, we explored the mental health care journeys of patients who screened positive for a CMD. The analysis identified three major pathways of care: (1) early detection of previously unidentified CMDs; (2) detection of comorbid mental health conditions; and (3) prevention of possible relapse and/or management of existing previously recognized mental health condition. These cases indicate iCCAS holds potential to facilitate more open, tailored, and informed collaborations between patients and clinicians regarding mental health care plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored resilience among South Asian (SA) immigrant women who were survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Eleven women participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using constant comparison. We identified five cross-cutting themes: resources before and after the turning-point (i.e. decision to confront violence), transformations in self, modification of social networks, and being an immigrant. Women drew upon their individual cognitive abilities, social support, and professional assistance to move beyond victimization. All women modified their social networks purposefully. The changes in individual-self included an increased sense of autonomy, positive outlook, and keeping busy. The changes in collective-self occurred as women developed a stronger feeling of belonging to their adopted country. This hybrid identity created a loop of reciprocity and a desire to contribute to their community. Women were cognizant of their surmountable challenges as immigrants. SA immigrant women IPV survivors sought multiple resources at micro, meso and macro levels, signifying the need for socio-ecological approaches in programs and policies along with inter-sectoral coordination to foster resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite benefits of screening mammography, many South Asian (SA) immigrant women in Canada remain under screened. We aimed to elicit their experiences and beliefs about barriers to mammography and possible solutions. SA immigrant women aged 50 years or over were eligible if they never had a mammogram or had one more than 3 years ago. We employed the participatory mixed-method approach of Concept Mapping. Sixty women participated with a mean age of 58 years. Participants brainstormed 150 items which were consolidated into 67 items. After sorting and rating, cluster analysis revealed eight clusters of barriers on knowledge, fear, language and transportation, access to mammogram center, access to doctor, beliefs and practices, self-care, and family dependence. Participants discussed possible solutions, and emphasized out-reach models to address knowledge gaps and issues of language and transportation. One example was a community-based shuttle bus to screening centres, hosted by trained co-ethnic workers. The results are discussed to enhance the socio-cultural sensitivity of breast screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine predictors of clinical breast examination (CBE) among South Asian immigrant women residing in Toronto, Canada. A cross-sectional self-administered survey with women patients visiting family physician group practices. Fifty-four women participated in the study (response rate 77%). Twenty women (38.5%) “ever had” CBE. Compared to women who never had CBE, women who had CBE were statistically older, had lived more years in Canada, had better knowledge of breast cancer, had lower perceived barriers to CBE, and were more likely to have ever had a periodic health exam. No significant differences were found between the two groups for education, employment, English language abilities, perceived health, and perceived benefits of CBE. A direct logistic regression with five predictor variables, significant at a univariate level, was statistically reliable, χ2 (5, n=51) = 34.7, p < 0.001 and explained 67% of the variance in the CBE status. Age and perceived barriers to CBE remained significant over and above other predictor variables. The odds of “ever had” CBE increased with age and decreased with more perceived barriers. The study highlights the need for education interventions on breast cancer and screening among SA recent immigrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]