An exploratory study of South Asian women’s experiences of mental health services in England: a thematic analysis of cultural sensitivity

Abstract

Purpose

Despite government and national health service demands for equality within mental health (MH) services, racial inequalities remain. South Asian (SA) women underutilise MH services, yet research regarding their experiences and the cultural sensitivity (CS) of services is sparse. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of SA women who have used MH services and the cultural sensitivity of the latter.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis was used for data analysis of semi-structured interviews carried out with 16 SA women.

Findings

Analysis yielded an overarching theme of “degree of understanding” and three main themes: “shared background and understanding” “humanity” and “cultural factors” and their subsequent subthemes. Results demonstrated mixed experiences, illustrating varied levels of CS and the impacts of this upon experiences. Cultural understanding underpins CS: participants’ experiences demonstrated the benefit of significant understanding and the detriment of limited understanding.

Research limitations/implications

All participants were well educated, English-speaking and from psychology, health or research backgrounds. SA culture is nuanced; thus, the demographic of “South Asian” could be too broad. However, because current understanding is limited, this research provides fundamental empirical knowledge.

Practical implications

Clear recommendations were co-produced with participants, highlighting strong impacts for service development and best practice.

Social implications

The research provides valuable insight into SA women’s experiences of MH services and wider understanding of CS. This raises cultural awareness in a field lacking understanding. Findings and recommendations can, therefore, provide foundational knowledge for broader societal issues experienced by people from this demographic and challenge preconceptions.

Originality/value

This research offers unique recommendations for more culturally sensitive practice, co-produced with participants.

Citation

Phillips, L. and Andriopoulou, P. (2022), "An exploratory study of South Asian women’s experiences of mental health services in England: a thematic analysis of cultural sensitivity", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 437-454. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-06-2021-0049