Help-seeking attitudes and utilization patterns regarding mental health problems of Surinamese migrants in The Netherlands

Abstract

The authors explored help-seeking behaviors and attitudes regarding psychosocial problems of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. Data of Surinamese citizens in the general population (n = 292) and of Surinamese (n = 96) and native Dutch (n = 89) outpatients in mental health care were collected. Results suggest length of residence in the Netherlands to be an important predictor of both behavior and attitudes, with the more recently migrated most in need of education on the utility of Dutch mental health services. The health symptoms and help-seeking orientations of the Surinamese people are quite similar to those of the indigenous Dutch. Ethnic background nevertheless remains a moderately important factor. Satisfaction with the mental health services appeared to be quite high, although more practical help is often wanted.