An exploration of the factors influencing engagement and participation in mental health services and research in ethnic minority communities

Fagbemi, Natalia (2023) An exploration of the factors influencing engagement and participation in mental health services and research in ethnic minority communities. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Research demonstrates that ethnic minority communities have poorer health outcomes in comparison to their White counterparts. However, poor research participation among these groups, particularly in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), may thwart efforts to close these inequalities. This thesis portfolio aimed to explore the factors that influence engagement with mental health services and research in ethnic minority communities.

Design: A systematic review of literature considering what factors impact engagement with mental health services among Black women in the UK and US was completed. A narrative synthesis of existing data was used to provide a summary of the factors that influence engagement among this group. A qualitative empirical research project used semi-structured interviews to explore what factors influence attitudes towards PPI in mental health research among South Asian and Black communities. This considered how race, experiences of mental health difficulties, and individuals’ relationship with the healthcare system may influence attitudes towards PPI.

Results: Within the systematic review: Stigma, Cost, Practical constraints, Mistrust and distrust, Lack of mental health literacy, Stereotypes and culturally sanctioned behaviours, Alternative coping mechanisms, Failures of the care system, and Perceptions of mental health services, were identified as factors influencing engagement with mental health services. There were few key differences between the factors identified in the UK and US. In the empirical project, a thematic analysis identified five superordinate themes across 10 interviews: Drivers for participation, Power, Mistrust, Barriers to engagement and Facilitators of engagement.

Conclusions: Findings from this portfolio suggest that Black and South Asian communities face a number of barriers when looking to access mental health services, or take part in PPI. In particular, negative experiences within healthcare or other systems, may breed mistrust and distrust, and in turn discourage engagement with services and PPI. Therefore, agencies must look to create a greater culture of trust in systems among these communities. This may encourage engagement and provide the necessary data to resolve health inequalities.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2023 10:39
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2023 10:39
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/93587
DOI:

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