Influences on diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders among minority ethnic people in the UK

Abstract

Purpose -Evidence, though limited, suggests that UK minority ethnic individuals have lower referral rates for eating disorders than their White British counterparts. Missed or delayed diagnosis may be an important contributory factor. This paper seeks to identify key areas that require attention for early detection and treatment of eating disorders in minority ethnic people.Design/methodology/approach -The approach taken was a community-based qualitative study in Sheffield, England: interviews with relatives of people with eating disorders (n ¼ 3); key informant interviews (n ¼ 15); group discussions with community members aged 18-24 (n ¼ 4, 24 participants).Findings -Several factors appear to influence the recognition of, and response to, eating disorders among minority ethnic people with potential implications for timely diagnosis and treatment. Low public awareness was an important barrier to seeking medical attention. Norms and ideals relating to food and body image, as well as some religious practices, can also discourage prompt recognition of illness, though there is much diversity within and between families and communities. Some service providers can be slow to consider the possibility of eating disorders among minority ethnic individuals, while others lack confidence to deal with the needs of minority ethnic people. Poor past experiences with services also undermine people's willingness to engage with services.Originality/value -The paper provides insights into socio-cultural influences on the experiences of people living with eating disorders that require greater attention by services. Healthcare practitioners need enhanced awareness that eating disorders do affect minority ethnic people and greater confidence to engage with these patients to gain the information needed for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

Therapists’ Experiences of Working with Ethnic Minority Females with Eating Disorders: A Qualitative Study

“…Participants reported a belief that shame impacted how females used therapy or accessed treatment. The present finding from the participants complements findings by three other UK studies which also suggest that shame is a barrier for ethnic minority people accessing treatment (Channa et al 2019 ; Chowbey et al 2012 ; Wales et al 2017 ).…”

“…Most empirical studies of ethnic minority patients with EDs in the UK have been conducted on patients’ perspectives, with only two studies exploring the views of therapists (Chowbey, Salway, and Ismail 2012 ; Wales, Brewin, Raghavan, and Arcelus 2017 ). The perspective of therapists is therefore an under-researched area.…”

Exploring barriers to South Asian help-seeking for eating disorders

“…This was an exploratory study with a small sample size of 44 individuals (mainly females) taking part in focus group discussions. (Chowbey et al, 2012). In view of the importance of culture in the manifestation of ED's and access to help (Agüera et al, submitted), this study focussed on one specific culture, the SA community living in the UK.…”

“…Previous studies that have explored access of care among people from minority ethnic groups with EDs have demonstrated the existence of cultural barriers among different communities (Chowbey et al , 2012). In view of the importance of culture in the manifestation of EDs and access to help, this study focussed on one specific culture, the SA community living in the UK.…”

“…Chowbey et al (2012) aimed to explore the influences on diagnosis and treatment of EDs among people from minority ethnic communities using a qualitative methodology. Although the authors did not exclusively look at the SA population their findings are of interest.…”