Department
Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this quality-improvement project was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on mental health literacy, attitudes, stigma, and help-seeking behaviors among members of an African immigrant community in Maryland.
Framework: The Health Belief Model (HBM) guided implementation of the project. The intervention was delivered using HBM constructs to promote increased mental health literacy.
Methods: The study was conducted in four phases: pre-project preparation, recruitment, educational intervention, and post-intervention evaluation. The six-week program was delivered both online and in person. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys measuring knowledge, attitudes, stigma, and willingness to seek professional mental health support. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and paired samples t-tests assessed for significant changes.
Results: Findings showed increased mental health literacy, improved attitudes, reduced stigma, and increased help-seeking behaviors. Statistically significant improvements were observed in mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors (p < 0.05). Changes in attitudes toward discussing mental health were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Culturally tailored, community-based mental health literacy interventions produced meaningful increases in comfort discussing mental health and confidence in seeking professional help among African immigrant community members, despite immigration-related fears and high attrition. Future research should evaluate whether these gains translate into increased service utilization and determine optimal intervention duration to improve knowledge outcomes.
Keywords
Stigma
Advisor
Dr. Janelle Harding
Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
DNP Project
Recommended Citation
Nchamukong, Dominic T., "Increasing Mental Health Literacy in an African Immigrant Community in the United States" (2026). Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice. 3311.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/3311
Rights
© The Author
