Minority ethnic community participation in needs assessment and service development in primary care: perceptions of Pakistani and Bangladeshi people about psychological distress

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To promote community participation in exploring perceptions of psychological distress amongst Pakistani and Bangladeshi people, in order to develop appropriate services. DESIGN: Training and facilitation of resident community members (as community project workers), to define and conduct qualitative research involving semistructured interviews in their own communities, informing primary care led commissioning and service decision making. Setting A socio-economically disadvantaged inner-city locality in the UK. Participants One-hundred and four South Asian people (49 of Pakistani and 55 of Bangladeshi origin), interviewed by 13 resident community members. RESULTS: All community project workers completed training leading to a National Vocational Qualification, and successfully executed the research. Most study respondents located their main sources of stress within pervasive experience of racism and socio-economic disadvantage. They were positive about 'talking' and neutral listening as helpful, but sought strategies beyond non-directive counselling services that embraced practical welfare advice and social support. The roles of primary health care professionals were believed to be restricted to physical ill health rather than personal distress. The importance of professionals' sex, age, ethnicity and social status were emphasized as affecting open communication. Practical recommendations for the re-orientation and provision of services were generated and implemented in response to the findings, through dialogue with a primary care commissioning group, Health and Local Authority, and voluntary agencies. CONCLUSIONS: The work illustrates the feasibility and value of a community participation approach to research and service development in addressing a challenging and neglected area of minority ethnic health need. It offers one model for generating responsive service change in the context of current health policy in the UK, whilst also imparting skills and empowering community members. The study findings emphasize the need to recognize the social contexts in which distress is experienced and have implications for effective responses.

Using community-based research within regeneration. The role of the researcher within community-based approaches – exploring experiences within Objective 1 South Yorkshire

“…The literature already describes a range of benefits resulting from the use of community based research (see Kai and Hedges 1999, Rhodes et al 2002, Rowe 2006) and many were similarly reported here.…”

“…South et al (2012) also call for attention to be given to the difference between formal and informal roles, as well as spectrums of participation along which researcher roles are located. Thus, more analysis is needed particularly in relation to the unquestioned assumptions reported about the positive experiences of lay researchers within numerous studies (Newell & South 2009, see Rowe 2006, Kai and Hedges 1999, Rhodes et al 2000. It may also be the case that there has simply been a lack of consideration of the issues associated with the personal implications of working within a lay researcher role (Newall and South 2009).…”

Predictors of Depression in Aging South Asian Canadians

“…On the other hand, their female counterparts are more inclined to use ruminative coping strategies, with the focus being more on cause and consequences rather than cure. This difference in coping style is evident among older adults in the South Asian community where men are more involved in outdoor activities and have wider social networks and more interaction with the outside world than the older South Asian women (Agarwal 1998;Kai 1999;Mathuranath et al 2005;Sudha et al 2007). …”

Participating in community research: exploring the experiences of lay researchers in Bradford

“…South A small number of studies have examined the experiences of community members who have been involved in the research process, and findings indicate that participation has a positive impact. For example, increases in knowledge, skills, and confidence have all been reported (Kai & Hedges, 1999;Lindsey & McGuinness, 1998;Rhodes et al, 2002;Rowe, 2006). Furthermore, Lindsey and McGuinness (1998), Rhodes et al (2002), and Rowe (2006) found that, through their involvement, participants had developed greater empathy and understanding of others within their community.…”

“…Furthermore, Lindsey and McGuinness (1998), Rhodes et al (2002), and Rowe (2006) found that, through their involvement, participants had developed greater empathy and understanding of others within their community. Participation has also been described as a satisfying and rewarding experience by lay researchers (Kai & Hedges, 1999;Lindsey & McGuinness, 1998). Rowe (2006) further reported that for some of the parent researchers in her study, their involvement had led them to take up further educational courses and opportunities.…”