East and West African Refugee Parents’ Experiences With Norwegian Municipal Mental Health Services for Their Children: Navigating Cultural Differences
Charity Atim Fabio Ambrose, Eline Ree, Stig Erlend Bjønness, Petter ViksveenIntroduction:
The number of refugees in Norway from African countries has increased, alongside increasing mental health challenges among youths with refugee backgrounds, linked to trauma and resettlement stress. Although parents wish to support their children, they encounter cultural barriers that hinder help‑seeking and treatment engagement.
Methods:
Fifteen qualitative interviews with parents with refugee backgrounds from East and West Africa were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Findings reveal trust barriers, including communication challenges, fear of child welfare services (CWS), limited parental involvement, unfamiliarity with Norwegian parenting norms, and lack of cultural sensitivity among health care professionals, all of which reduces parents’ confidence in services and hinder effective treatment and follow-up.
Discussion:
Health care professionals should prioritize culturally responsive care to promote equitable mental health care for refugee families. Strengthening trust requires clear information about health care services, professionals’ roles, CWS, and child-upbringing practices in Norway, while using qualified interpreters to reduce communication barriers.