Exploring migrant families’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding their children’s mental health - a qualitative study in Portugal

Sep 30, 2026

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Qualitative research examines how migrant families in Portugal perceive and respond to their children’s mental health needs, with attention to the drivers of vulnerability and disparities in access to care. Focus groups with 30 parents and adolescents were analyzed thematically to extract key perceptions, attitudes, and lived experiences across diverse migrant communities. Findings highlight migration’s psychological impact, demographic and family and socioeconomic contributors, and the protective role of strong social support networks. Conclusions call for targeted public health policies, culturally competent school and mental health services, and integrated social support systems.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi91 qualitative perspective. This study aims to explore migrant families’perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of their children’s mental health and to identify key factors that contribute to vulnerability and disparities in health care access. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions with 30 parents of children and adolescents from diverse migrant communities in Portugal. Participants were recruited through non-governmental organizations and included migrants from the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, with a total of 10 nationalities. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes related to perceptions, attitudes and experiences regarding mental health needs in migrant children. Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) The impact of migration on children’s mental health; (2) Factors such as age, family dynamics, economic circumstances and sociocultural backgrounds as key contributors to mental health; (3) Strong social support networks, including family, schools, religious and community groups, play a critical role in fostering resilience and helping children cope. Conclusions: Addressing the mental health of migrant children requires targeted public health policies that improve access to healthcare, cultural competence in schools and mental health services, and integration of social support systems. Future research should focus on the design and implementation of interventions that promote equitable mental health outcomes for migrant children. Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.249 331 Exploring migrant families’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding their children’s mental health: a qualitative study in Portugal Rita Gonc¸alves1,2, Rafael Inácio1,3, Maria J. Marques1, Snia Dias1 1NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal 2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario Coimbra, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal 3Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal PTH 3: Mental Health and Refugees 1, B307 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 17:00-17:54 Aims: Migrant children face multiple mental health stressors, including family, social, cultural, and economic factors. Cultural beliefs and stigma influence perceptions of mental health within migrant communities, which determine help-seeking behavior and may also influence access to health services. Despite increasing migration trends in Portugal, there is still a lack of research on the mental health experiences of migrant children, especially from a

FAQs

What is the study’s main aim regarding migrant children’s mental health?

The study explores migrant families’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding their children’s mental health and identifies key factors that contribute to vulnerability and disparities in health care access.

How was the research conducted?

A qualitative design used focus group discussions with 30 parents of children and adolescents from diverse migrant communities in Portugal, followed by thematic analysis.

Which factors were found to influence migrant children’s mental health?

Migration itself affects children’s mental health, and contributors include age, family dynamics, economic circumstances, and sociocultural backgrounds, alongside cultural beliefs and stigma shaping help-seeking.

What do the conclusions recommend to improve outcomes?

The study recommends targeted public health policies to improve care access, cultural competence in schools and mental health services, and stronger integration of social support systems, alongside future intervention research.

Sep 30, 2026

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