Mental health and access to care in the Montagnard migrant community: Examining perspectives across four generations in North Carolina

Abstract

Background The Montagnards are a diverse group of indigenous tribes from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. With thousands now resettled in the United States, Montagnard migrant communities face unique mental health challenges stemming from decades of trauma, war, and persecution. Research has demonstrated that health challenges facing migrant communities are often compounded by sociocultural, political, and economic factors associated with resettlement, and by a lack of access to health care. Methods In this qualitative study, framework analysis was used to assess mental health care access across multiple generations of Montagnards in North Carolina. Semi-structured interviews and mental health screenings were conducted with twenty-six participants. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Dedoose software. Results The results show that some Montagnards, especially elders, have an understanding of emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing that differs from the standard concept of “mental health” as defined by the CDC. Pervasive negative beliefs about mental illness, alongside cultural values of strength and family reputation, lead some Montagnards to avoid discussing mental health publicly. Barriers such as the cost of treatment and challenges with communication and language limit access to care and disproportionately affect older community members. However, only younger Montagnards showed symptoms of mental illness on the diagnostic screenings. Conclusions Montagnard migrant communities in North Carolina do not have adequate access to mental health care. Community-based interventions are needed to improve mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, increase access to care, and provide culturally-responsive support to Montagnards.