Digital Interventions for the Mental Health and Well-Being of International Migrants: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review examines the literature related to digital interventions and applies the findings to the mental health and well-being of international migrants. Method: A total of 1,854 articles were found during the initial search. Removing duplicates ( n = 95) produced a sample of 1,759 articles for review. Next, 1,750 articles were excluded based on inclusion criteria. The final sample was comprised of nine articles for review. Results: The final articles reviewed in this study were categorized according to the examined outcomes: 1) depression; 2) mental health literacy and stigma; 3) social connections; and 4) post-traumatic stress disorder. All but one of the studies reported positive effects ranging from small to large effect sizes. The majority of studies ( n = 6) can be rated as moderate in quality using established measures. Conclusion: A few digital interventions have been designed to address mental health and well-being of international migrants.

"Fast food psychology" or serious support: Brazilian migrant women talk about their experiences with digital tools for mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…Migration is not a simple process, even when people migrate based on their own choices. Research demonstrates that migration is an important determinant of health due to its intrinsic challenges such as separation from family, financial problems, language barriers, and discrimination (Abtahi et al, 2022;Bas-Sarmiento et al, 2016). Some of the challenges I have been through as a migrant were lack of social support, difficulties in finding work, and cultural differences between Brazil and Aotearoa New Zealand.…”

“…All these challenges, added to being away from friends and family, have in the past negatively impacted my mental health. Research evidence suggests that migrant groups present a high prevalence of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression (Abtahi et al, 2022;Bas-Sarmiento et al, 2017). Nowadays, my migration context is slightly different as my visa status has changed since 2016.…”

“…In addition, the internet and digital tools can support individuals with a diverse range of health issues (Reilly et al, 2020). Hence, there is increased research interest in understanding the benefits and perspectives of using the internet to help people's health and wellbeing (Abtahi et al, 2022;Evans-Lacko et al, 2022;Fleming et al, 2021;Harrer et al, 2019;Reilly et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2021;Weisel et al, 2019;Wilson & Donkin, 2021).…”

“…Likewise, a 2022 systematic review regarding migrants and their experiences with DTMH explained that migrants were willing to use these tools. In addition, this review discussed further benefits of DTMH, such as the possibility of increasing social connections and peer relationships and overcoming mental health service barriers such as language difficulties (Abtahi et al, 2022). These benefits are increased when DTMH developments include consultation with the communities served (Reilly et al, 2020).…”

“…These benefits are increased when DTMH developments include consultation with the communities served (Reilly et al, 2020). Consequently, research demonstrates that DTMH can engage effectively with minority communities such as migrants (Abtahi et al, 2022;Liem et al, 2021;McIntyre et al, 2017;Reilly et al, 2020;Spanhel et al, 2021;Toombs et al, 2021).…”