Factors Influencing Online Mental Health Forum Use for People from Ethnic Minority Backgrounds in the United Kingdom: A Mixed Methods Study

Connor Heapy (), Paul Marshall, Zoe Glossop, Suman Prinjha and Fiona Lobban
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Connor Heapy: Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Divison of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Health Innovation Campus, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AT, UK
Paul Marshall: Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Divison of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Health Innovation Campus, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AT, UK
Zoe Glossop: Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Divison of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Health Innovation Campus, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AT, UK
Suman Prinjha: Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
Fiona Lobban: Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Divison of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Health Innovation Campus, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AT, UK

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Background: Ethnic minority groups are under-represented in their use of community mental health services in the UK. Online mental health forums could be a more appealing support option than traditional mental health services. Part one of this study investigated the level of online forum use in people from ethnic minority groups. Part two investigated the factors influencing online mental health forum use for people from ethnic minority groups. Methods: Part one involved comparing data from a range of pre-existing national datasets, and datasets local to Berkshire, UK (i.e., on the general population, people experiencing common mental health problems, users of mental health forums, and NHS Talking Therapies services). Part two involved interviewing 14 individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds who had used, or considered using, online mental health forums. Results: In part one, nationally, Asian, Black, and Mixed ethnic groups appeared over-represented in their online mental health forum use based on their reporting of common mental health problems. In Berkshire, people from Asian and Black ethnic groups were under-represented in their use of Berkshire NHS Trust’s online mental health forum based on their representation in the Berkshire population. In Part Two, three themes were identified as influencing forum use: (1) sense of community in the online and offline worlds, (2) trust is crucial, and (3) barriers to accessing online forums. Conclusion: People from ethnic minority groups vary in their use and experiences of mental health forums. Whilst forums can offer a valued accessible space for anonymous sharing of often stigmatised experiences, pathways to access require trusted figures to promote their availability, and forum designers and moderators to co-create culturally sensitive spaces with people from these target communities.

Keywords: mental health forum; forum use; online support; ethnic minority; South Asian (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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