Perceived barriers to seeking mental health support among international nursing students

Abstract

Over the years, the world has become a global village. People are moving to foreign countries to study nursing. As they settle and integrate into the community, they are faced with numerous challenges, such as separation from family and friends, a language barrier, culture shock, and a huge academic workload. These challenges are likely to have an adverse effect on the international nursing students’ mental well-being. However, international nursing students seek mental health support as there are barriers that hinder them from seeking mental health support. The study was aimed at increasing awareness of the barriers that hinder international nursing students from accessing mental health support. The findings could be used to influence future research on international nursing students' mental health and enhance their access to mental health support. Eight articles that answered the research question and matched the inclusion criteria were selected from PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, and Elsevier. A literature review approach was employed to analyse the selected articles. Three main themes were identified from the literature review: stigma and mental health help-seeking behaviour, barriers to healthcare access, and epidemic factors. In conclusion, it was found that culture, stigma, and language barriers are essential considerations in mental health provision for international student nurses. The schools and mental health institutions could provide a supportive environment for all the students and address the prevalence of mental illness through education and resources with a comprehensive approach encompassing mental health and general well-being. Collaborative efforts in nursing degree programs and cultural integration education can provide caring spaces for international nursing students and promote success in their educational journey.