Ghanaian migrants in The Netherlands: General health, acculturative stress and utilization of mental health care

Abstract

Ghanaians are a relatively unknown migrant group in the Netherlands. Due to a plane crash in a densely populated suburb of Amsterdam, the Ghanaian population in 1992 suddenly became a “hot item” in national media. It was assumed that they would be a group at risk: many Ghanaians were either directly or indirectly victims of this disaster. Moreover, Ghanaians were assumed to be unfamiliar with the Dutch society and the health care system.A study was conducted using self-report questionnaires to investigate mental health and help-seeking orientation. Findings show that migration factors, acculturative stress, and legal status have an impact on health status.However, Ghanaians do not report more health problems than the Dutch norm group. Furthermore, results indicate that the help-seeking orientation of the Ghanaians differs less from the Dutch than was supposed: the Ghanaian participants consult clergy and traditional healers for their problems as well as the regional ambulatory mental health care center. Satisfaction with the services provided was seen to be quite high. However, more practical help with regard to financial problems and housing facilities is wanted. Implications for improving the mental health care system for migrants and ethnic minorities are discussed.