Exploring the intersectional factors that influence the development of mental health challenges amongst West African women immigrant students in Lethbridge, southern Alberta, Canada: an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of West African women immigrant students in Southern Alberta and the subsequent influence on mental health. Employing an exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) research design, an in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve (12) West African women immigrant students. Thematic analysis found that these women faced overlapping obstacles in Canada, caused by intersecting factors such as race, gender, social class, and immigration status, significantly impacting their mental health. Nonetheless, the participants used a variety of coping strategies to mitigate these barriers, with culture having an important role in influencing views and coping mechanisms. The study emphasizes the need of stakeholders, policymakers, universities, and mental health practitioners to establish culturally sensitive initiatives to help West African women immigrant students, transition and integrate successfully into their new environment.