116 Generational differences in perception of stress, anxiety, and depression among Ghanaian immigrants: the New York City Ghanaian mental well-being project

Abstract OP 19: Mental Health 2, B302 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 13:30 - 14:30 Aims Generational gaps in mental health perceptions can affect individuals’ relationships and coping with mental health experiences. Among immigrant populations, cultural stigma and taboo can further impact mutual understanding and community social support. Despite immigrants’ exposure to unique stressors and acculturative isolation, little research examines generational understandings of mental health among immigrants. We used community-based participatory research to examine intergenerational perspectives on mental health (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression) among Ghanaian immigrants living in New York City, USA. Methods This study used a mixed-method approach, with data collected from one general listening session, five borough-specific town hall sessions, and semi-structured interviews (N = 92) with Ghanaian immigrants aged 18–80 years (Mean age = 51.7 years) between November 2023 and July 2024. Audio recordings of all interviews and town hall group discussions were transcribed verbatim and supplemented by field notes. Interview transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed using NVivo, version 14. Results Recurring themes reflect intergenerational differences in Ghanaian immigrants’ understandings and acknowledgments of mental health experiences. Alcohol, substance use, and violence frequently emerged in elderly individuals’ narratives about the younger generations’ mental health struggles and coping strategies. Younger individuals described a lack of receptivity or acceptance towards mental illness symptoms and/or care among the older generation. Participants noted that such discordance can lead to family and community tensions. Across age groups, the majority mentioned stigma and lack of mental health knowledge as barriers to symptom recognition and care-seeking. Conclusion Ghanaian immigrants living in New York City share similar views of barriers to mental health symptom recognition and care-seeking. However, there are generational differences in cultural understandings and perceptions of stress, anxiety, and depression. These findings will inform future research on factors that affect Ghanaian immigrant mental well-being, perspectives on mental health, and culturally tailored interventions to address mental health disparities.