Strength In Unity (STRENGTH IU) is the first comprehensive Community-Based Action Research study in Canada that mobilizes Asian Canadian men to explore mental health and, mental illness stigma and promote mental wellbeing.
Why study mental health among Asian men:
One in five people in Canada experience mental health challenges in their lifetime and yet, many do not seek support due to fear of stigma and discrimination. Mental health stresses for racial minority groups, immigrants and refugees are further compounded by systemic barriers to adequate income, employment, and housing; and the lack of culturally inclusive health services. While much research exists on mental health, available evidence addressing the stigma of mental illness is limited because of small samples, lack of diversity in study participants and exclusion of people living with mental illness. Funded by the Movember Foundation, the STRENGTH IU study focuses on mental health and stigma of mental illness among men in Asian communities, a vastly diverse group that makes up 15% of the Canadian population.
What the study aimed to achieve:
Using a health promotion framework grounded in principles of community empowerment and capacity building, the study engaged East, South and Southeast Asian men and community leaders living in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver with the following objectives:
- Raise awareness of the social determinants of mental health, misconceptions of mental illness, and knowledge of community mental health resources.
- Build capacity among Asian men to identify their mental health needs, address mental illness stigma, and advocate for effective and inclusive mental health care for Asian men and their communities.