Public Health Interventions to Address Housing and Mental Health amongst Migrants from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Living in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Gemma Crawford; Elizabeth Connor; Kahlia McCausland; Karina Reeves; Krysten Blackford

doi:10.3390/ijerph192416946

Public Health Interventions to Address Housing and Mental Health amongst Migrants from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Living in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 16;19(24):16946. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192416946.

Authors

Gemma Crawford^{1

2}, Elizabeth Connor², Kahlia McCausland^{1

2}, Karina Reeves^{1

2}, Krysten Blackford^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
² School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

Abstract

Migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds experience factors that may increase health inequities related to a range of determinants of health including housing and mental health. However, the intersection between mental health and housing for migrants is poorly understood. A scoping review searched four academic databases for concepts related to cultural and linguistic diversity, housing conditions, and public health interventions to address homelessness. A total of 49 articles were included and seven key themes identified: housing provision; mental health intersections and interventions; complexity and needs beyond housing; substance use; service provider and policy issues; the role of cultural and linguistic diversity; and consumer experience. The intersection of ethnicity with other social determinants of health and housing was highlighted though there were limited interventions tailored for migrants. Studies generally pointed to the positive impacts of Housing First. Other sub-themes emerged: social connection and community; shame, stigma, and discrimination; health and support requirements; and employment, financial assistance, and income. Consumer choice was identified as vital, along with the need for systemic anti-racism work and interventions. To support secure housing for migrants and mitigate mental health impacts, closer attention is required towards migration factors along with broader, tailored services complementing housing provision.

Keywords: cultural and linguistic diversity; homelessness; housing; mental health; migration.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Developed Countries
Housing*
Humans
Ill-Housed Persons*
Mental Health
Public Health

Grants and funding

The study was part of an Exploratory Research grant funded by Healthway, the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Reference number: 33617). The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by Healthway. All views are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent views of the funding body.