This literature review identifies key mental health issues for Asian people in New Zealand. The review covers literature from 1990-2002 on Asian immigrants, refugees and foreign fee-paying (FFP) students in New Zealand. It addresses five main topic areas relevant to the Mental Health Commission’s specified areas of interest:
1. What are the major problems and difficulties experienced by Asian recent immigrants, refugees and fee-paying students in New Zealand?
2. What is the prevalence of mental illness and mental health problems amongst Asians?
3. What are the factors associated with increased risk of mental illness amongst immigrants and refugees? What are the factors that protect against the development of mental illness?
4. What barriers are preventing the usage of mental health services by Asian service users and their families?
5. How widespread is the use of traditional healing practices among Asians in New Zealand?