Samis in the city. A qualitative study of mental health and well-being among Samis in Stockholm

ABSTRACT

Indigenous people globally suffer from poorer health than majority populations. For the Sami, the indigenous people living in the north of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, physical health conditions seem to be comparable to the population in general, but there are concerns about mental health. Studies have shown a higher risk of suicide, especially for young men active in traditional reindeer herding in the north. There is less knowledge about the mental health of Samis that have migrated to the cities. In this study, we interviewed 25 Samis, recruited through convenience sampling in the Stockholm area, about their perceptions of health and well-being, the importance of the Sami background and culture, their views of mental health services and the need of adapting them to Sami needs. Throughout the process, the researchers collaborated closely with the Stockholm Sami Association, in an approach of participatory research. The interviews were analysed with thematic analysis. For the participants, a secure Sami identity and being treated with respect for their identity was seen as essential for mental health and well-being. Informants’ emphasis on respect for their Sami identity and belonging can be seen as a call for restoration of basic human rights. Historical experiences, current harassments and political decisions affected their health. The informants wished caregivers to increase their knowledge of Sami history and traditions.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous people
• Sami
• mental health
• culture
• identity
• participatory research

Acknowledgments

We thank all the informants who have contributed with their time and commitment, the Stockholm Sami Association and especially Peter Rodhe and Mariana Wiik from the Sami reference group for fruitful collaboration, as well as Anna Jernberg Sørensen, Therese Lindman and Mehrnaz Aram representing the Health and Medical Care Administration in the steering group. We also thank the Health and Medical Care Administration for the funding of the interview study. Furthermore, we thank Stephen Wicks for linguistic advice.

Disclosure statement

No possible conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm, Sweden [HNSV 19882 HSN 2019-2129].