Understanding how culture shapes Chinese patients’ mental health decision-making in Australian general practice

This study suggests that cultural stigma surrounding mental illness is a potential cause of underdiagnosis and underutilisation of mental health services among Chinese individuals in Australia. Practical barriers, such as costs, perceived care effectiveness and GP availabilities, further complicate care usage. Nonetheless, self-motivation and support from family and friends encourage positive help-seeking behaviours. Overall, the evolving beliefs about mental illnesses emphasise the need for strengthened communication and trust between GPs and Chinese patients to enhance prioritisation of GPs' role in mental health care. Future investigations into the adequacy of current cultural competency trainings for GPs are needed.