Predictors of mental health among Angolan migrants living in Portugal

• Published in: International journal of migration, health and social care health and social care, 2018-06, Vol.14 (2), p.146-159
• Main Authors: Neto, Félix, Guse, Tharina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acculturation; Adaptation; Anxiety; Cultural identity; Demography; Discrimination; Gender; Health problems; Health status; Immigrants; Immigration; Immigration policy; Loneliness; Marital status; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; Mental health care; Migrant workers; Migrants; Migration; National identity; Noncitizens; Predictions; Psychological problems; Psychosocial development; Psychosocial factors; Psychosocial intervention; Self esteem; Sociocultural factors; Womens health
• ISSN: 1747-9894; 2042-8650
• DOI: 10.1108/IJMHSC-03-2017-0006

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of mental health among Angolan migrants living in Portugal. Three research questions guided this work: What is the influence of demographic factors on the mental health of Angolan migrants? What is the influence of acculturation factors on their mental health? What is the influence of adaptation factors on their mental health? Design/methodology/approach The sample consisted of 252 Angolan migrants living in Portugal (50.8 percent females) with a mean age of 36 years. The mean duration of stay in Portugal was 21 years. Findings The predictive factors – demographic, acculturation and adaptation factors – were significantly associated with Angolan migrants’ mental health. However, acculturation and adaptation factors accounted for a larger proportion of the explained variance in mental health problems than demographic factors. The major predictors of mental health problems were sociocultural adaptation, perceived discrimination and loneliness. Implications of the findings for future research and psychosocial interventions are discussed. Originality/value This study shed some light on the predictive factors of mental health problems among adult Angolan immigrants in Portugal, a previously neglected group of migrants in the research literature. Adding to existing knowledge on the mental health outcomes of migration, the findings suggest that, for this group, sociocultural adaptation, perceived discrimination and loneliness were the main predictors of psychological problems, rather than demographic factors. This evidence may be useful in the development of psychosocial interventions and policy to support Angolan migrants in their adaptation to Portuguese culture.