Migration and mental health care in South Africa: the question of language in context

Abstract

Access to mental healthcare for migrants is a global problem, with many challenges and barriers, including the issue of language discordance. Most research on this topic comes from well-resourced countries such as those in Europe, Northern America, and Australasia despite the fact that most migration occurs from poorer contexts, such as many in Africa, into more closely situated countries. As an introductory part of a broader international study, we started out investigating the views of key stakeholders in South Africa on language barriers to accessing mental healthcare for migrants and suggestions for how to address these. Two senior researchers interviewed a total of 10 key stakeholders (mental health and primary healthcare providers, some also users of mental healthcare, policymakers in mental healthcare, and refugee centre coordinators) virtually, using semistructured interviews. Interview recordings were transcribed and the content was analysed. The following key themes emerged from our data: general barriers to mental healthcare; linguistic barriers to mental healthcare; proposed solutions to overcoming language discordance and alternatives suggested by professionals and mental health service users. Issues of language were intertwined with a range of other service delivery and political problems. The issue of lack of language concordance is a major concern in providing mental healthcare for migrants in South Africa. This is, however, by no means the only concern, as access to care in general is poor. Innovative, cost-effective local solutions are needed to bridge the enormous gap between needs and service provision.