Submission ID 117322
| Issue/Objective | This study aims to engage first- and second-generation immigrant youth from Alberta to gather evidence and co-develop strategies to promote access to culturally relevant and sexual- and gender-affirming mental health care. We will achieve this aim by completing three research objectives: 1) co-identifying with youth existing mental health services and programs for SGM Asian immigrant youth who experience mental health issues; 2) identifying the barriers and facilitators to accessing and using the services and programs identified; and, 3) co-designing with SGM Asian immigrant youth and other stakeholders a supportive strategy that will guide accessible, culturally relevant and inclusive mental health policy and practice to effectively address mental health needs of SGM Asian immigrant youth. |
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| Methodology/Approach | In phase one of this three-year project, we will conduct an environmental scan to identify and map the current state of support programs, services and resources to address mental health challenges among Asian SGM youth living in AB. In phase two, using the community-based participatory research approach, we will engage a diverse group of youth who self-identify as SGM and as first- or second-generation Asian immigrants. Through our community collaborators, we will recruit 30 Asian immigrant SGM youth (15-24 years) from AB as youth partners and will conduct in-depth interviews to meet objectives 1 and 2. In phase three, we will invite our youth partners and representatives from our community collaborators to participate in two virtual workshops. Collaborative dialogue will be used to co-design a supportive strategy including policy and practice recommendations for better support of SGM Asian immigrant youth who experience mental health challenges (objective 3). This project builds on well-established relationships among researchers, youth, and community collaborators, working to promote mental health of young people. |
| Results | The project aims to produce a set of actionable, community-driven strategies that address the specific mental health needs of SGM Asian immigrant youth. Anticipated outcomes include increased awareness of unique mental health issues, targeted youth mental health practice and policy recommendations, and theoretical advancements in the field of youth mental health from an intersectional and community partnership approach. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Empowering youth through co-developed strategies that prioritize culturally responsive and sexual- and gender affirming mental health care is essential to improve mental health outcomes among SGM Asian immigrant youth. While this project is based within the Albertan context, it may seed future national-scale research, which would have a larger impact to SGM Asian immigrant youth across Canada. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Neelam Punjani University of Alberta Samantha Louie-Poon University of Alberta |
