Benjamin Denga - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Benjamin Denga

FPCEUC - Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal, 2021

Canadian Medical Association Journal

In the 2016 Census, an estimated 1.2 million people in Canada reported being Black. 1 Abundant ev... more In the 2016 Census, an estimated 1.2 million people in Canada reported being Black. 1 Abundant evidence suggests that Black people are uniquely vulnerable to numerous risk factors linked to mental health and wellness. 2-4 In Canada, more than half of Black people are first-generation immigrants, of whom 40% came to Canada under the economic immigration program and 30% came as refugees. 4,5 The Black population is younger than the general population (median age 29.6 yr v. 40.7 yr). 1 Alberta has the fastest growing population of Black people in Canada, with a fivefold increase between 1996 and 2016. 1 Addressing the health of Black youth in Alberta is important to achieving health equity and improving population health outcomes in Canada. Beyond resettlement challenges, a risk factor that threatens the health outcomes of Black people is racism and discrimination. 6,7 Black Canadians report worse overall self-rated health than white and self-identified biracial Canadians. 8 For Black youth in the United States, repeated exposure to racial discrimination is associated with subsequent coping challenges and poor mental health; 9 86% report at least 1 experience of racism in their lifetime. 10 This work suggests that racial discrimination accounts for increased levels of mental health conditions such as major depression and anxiety disorders. Although some studies have reported the effects of racism in the American context, similar research in Canada is limited, especially among Black youth. 11 We sought to capture the perspectives of Black youth in Alberta regarding factors that contribute to their mental health. Methods Study design and setting We used a community based participatory action research design. Community-based participatory action research requires knowledge of the community, which forms the basis for research and planning through an iterative process of field work, data collection, reflection and action. 12 It involves the co-creation of knowledge, developing a sense of community and mobilizing for social change. 13 Community engagement All but 1 of the initial research team members were Black African immigrants, motivated by the health challenges and desire to build capacity for mental health promotion among Black youth. Before study outset, we met with youth who identified a need to focus on their mental health; they were subsequently engaged in Research Mental health CPD

The invitation for preparing the texts for this book was made to the presenters of the ESREA Acce... more The invitation for preparing the texts for this book was made to the presenters of the ESREA Access, Learning Careers and Identities Network Conference, that took place at FPCE, University of Coimbra, 7 th-9 th , November, 2019. The authors who participate in this book are responsible for the content of the chapters. Their perspectives and opinions may not necessarily represent the official positions of the scientific entities that support the publication, the publishers or the perspectives of the editors.

Alberta Journal of Educational Research, Jun 22, 2018

Highlights • Black youths face barriers access ing mental health services. • Factors that limit B... more Highlights • Black youths face barriers access ing mental health services. • Factors that limit Black youths access to and use of mental health services include a systemic lack of cultural inclusion and safety; a lack of knowl edge about and infor mation on mental health services; the cost of mental health services; geograph ical and locational barri ers; stigma and judgmentalism; and limits of resilience. • To address existing barriers to men tal health services for Black youths, policy makers must diversify the mental health service workforce, increase the availability and qual ity of mental health services in Blackdominated neighbourhoods, and embed antiracist practices and intercultural competencies in men tal health service delivery.

Promotion de la santé et prévention des maladies chroniques au Canada

Introduction Cette étude vise à examiner les obstacles qui limite l’accès et le recours des jeune... more Introduction Cette étude vise à examiner les obstacles qui limite l’accès et le recours des jeunes Noirs aux services en santé mentale en Alberta. Méthodologie Pour comprendre l’accès aux soins de santé des jeunes Noirs en Alberta, tant ceux qui sont nés au Canada que ceux qui y ont immigré, nous avons utilisé une méthodologie de recherche action dirigée par les jeunes dans le cadre d’un modèle d’autonomisation des jeunes qui s’inscrit dans la théorie de l’intersectionnalité. Le projet de recherche a été dirigé conjointement par un comité consultatif composé de dix jeunes, qui ont donné des conseils et contribué concrètement à la recherche. Sept membres du comité consultatif ont également recueilli des données, animé conjointement des cafés-causeries, analysé les données et contribué aux activités de diffusion. Nous avons réalisé des entretiens individuels approfondis et organisé quatre groupes de discussion de type café-causerie avec 129 jeunes au total. Au cours des cafés-causerie...

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada

Introduction The objective of this study was to examine the barriers that influence access to and... more Introduction The objective of this study was to examine the barriers that influence access to and use of mental health services by Black youths in Alberta. Methods We used a youth-led participatory action research (PAR) methodology within a youth empowerment model situated within intersectionality theory to understand access to health care for both Canadian-born and immigrant Black youth in Alberta. The research project was co-led by an advisory committee consisting of 10 youths who provided advice and tangible support to the research. Seven members of the advisory committee also collected data, co-facilitated conversation cafés, analyzed data and helped in the dissemination activities. We conducted in-depth individual interviews and held four conversation café-style focus groups with a total of 129 youth. During the conversation cafés, the youths took the lead in identifying issues of concern and in explaining the impact of these issues on their lives. Through rigorous data coding ...