A migrant refers to “a person who moves away from his or her place of usual residence” (United Nations, 1980), and it is crucial to note that almost half of the world’s international migrant population is female (Boyd, 2021). Research indicates that female migrants are more vulnerable to mental health-related issues compared to their male counterparts, including conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and perinatal depression (Nyikavaranda et al., 2023). Despite this, existing migration studies have primarily centered on male experiences (Llácer et al., 2007), overlooking the specific challenges faced by female migrants.
The recent systematic review conducted by Patrick Nyikavaranda et al. (2023) aims to address this research gap by focusing on the mental health experiences of female migrants in Europe. The study delves into the barriers and facilitators encountered by female migrants when seeking mental health support, offering a feminist perspective on the issue. This approach sheds light on the unique challenges and support mechanisms that are specific to female migrants.
The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Page et al., 2020), and the review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021235571). It focused on including studies that involved female migrants, asylum seekers, or refugees with data on their experiences, common mental health conditions, and barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health services. A thorough search strategy using the SPIDER tool across electronic databases identified 17 relevant studies for inclusion.
Barriers to accessing mental health support for female migrants identified in the study included lack of information, cultural and spiritual barriers, stigma, structural obstacles, and gender-specific issues. Conversely, facilitators of access included religiosity, involvement of community and religious leaders, gender-sensitive support services, and education settings. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by many female migrants were also noted as significant factors in addressing mental health challenges.
The study underscores the importance of culturally and gender-sensitive approaches to mental health support for female migrants, emphasizing the role of community networks and education in bridging the gap. By focusing on the unique experiences of female migrants, the review provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers to improve mental health services. While the study has strengths in its comprehensive analysis and adherence to guidelines, limitations such as potential bias and regional specificity should be considered in interpreting the results.
