Journal of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
A Pilot Study Exploring the Experiences of Mental Health Among Internal Migrants in Nigeria
Temitope Labinjo, Russell Ashmore, Laura Serrant, and James Turner
Abstract
Purpose: This article identified and explored factors that impact on the mental health of internal migrants in Nigeria. Design: A pilot qualitative phenomenological study with four participants from the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos states in Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken using the application known as Zoom© from August to September 2019. Interviews were analysed using the six steps of thematic analyse described by Braun and Clarke (2006). Findings: Five themes emerged from this study; ‘purpose of migration’, ‘experience of migration’, ‘coping strategies’, ‘knowledge of mental health’, and ‘impact of internal migration on mental health’. In summary, the participants described the reasons or migrating as work, marriage, and wanting a better life. They described having accommodation issues, difficulties finding a job after migration and also experienced challenges of building new friendships. Participants also explained that religion and perseverance helped them cope after relocating. Practical implications: The pilot study concludes that the stress of internal migration combined with socio-economic challenges and lack of social support can result in a lack of ability to settle in a new culture (ethnic group) which may likely result in poor mental health. Originality: This article contributes to existing knowledge of mental health in Nigeria, a sensitive topic that is rarely discussed in the country, by studying an under-researched group (internal migrants).
Keywords: Internal migrants; Nigerians; Mental health; Migration.
Journal Information
- Journal Name: Journal of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Journal Short Name: J Ment Health Substance Use
- Language: English
- Format of Publication: Online
- Starting Year: 2020
- Focus Subject: Mental Health Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Addiction
- Publication Model: Online
- Frequency of Publication: One Issue a Year
- Review Process: Single blind peer-review by referees
- Time to 1st Decision: 2 to 3 weeks from date of submission
- Time to Acceptance: 4 to 6 weeks, depending upon the required revision cycles
- Time to Publication: 1 to 3 weeks from date of final submission in the forthcoming issue
- DOI Prefix: 10.7620
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