Mental health of Latin Americans in Canada: A literature review

Abstract

Background: Latin Americans represent one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in Canada. But very little is known about their mental health. Aims: This paper reviews the literature on the mental health of Latin American immigrants to Canada. The paper also identifies potential areas to expand the research agenda. Method: Twenty-five papers were identified by a comprehensive electronic search undertaken in medical- and humanities-related databases. Results: Results are reported in three sections: (1) the rates of mental illness; (2) the risk factors that affect mental health; and (3) the access and barriers to care and services. Findings indicate that despite the diversity of immigration from Latin America to Canada, much of the information on mental health focuses on Central American refugees. The most frequently examined risk factor is displacement as a consequence of political persecution and torture in the home country. Access to mental health services in this population seems to be limited by cultural differences and language barriers. Conclusion: New research on this topic should reflect the growing diversity and heterogeneity of the Latin American population in Canada.