Double stigma in mental health service use: Experience from ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

Suen Yi Nam, Wong Yik Chun, Wong Tak Hing Michael, Chan Kit Wa Sherry, Hui Lai Ming Christy, Lee Ho Ming Edwin and Chen Yu Hai Eric

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2023, vol. 69, issue 6, 1345-1353

Abstract: Background: Ethnic minorities (EMs) typically underutilise mental health services (EMs) with issues that are not shared by the local population. Understanding the underlying perceived factors could help reduce their mental health disparities. Aims: This is a qualitative study aiming to examine the barriers that prevent EMs from seeking mental health services in Hong Kong. Methods: Six semistructured focus groups with 31 EMs who resided in Hong Kong were conducted from May 31 to June 26, 2021. The outcome measures were the themes and subthemes of perspectives on mental health service use. Results: Among 31 adults (20 [64.5%] women, 11 [35.5%] men; 17 [54.8%] aged 25–39 years) who participated, most participants self-identified as Indian (13 [41.95]) or Pakistani (10 [32.3]). There were 16 individuals (51.6%) who reported severe or higher levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms, while 12 individuals (38.7%) reported moderate levels. Three emerging themes identified for the barriers to help-seeking for psychiatric intervention were (1) preexisting problems, (2) psychaitric service lacks cultural sensitivity and (3) personal or family limitation, while that for the recommendations to improve help-seeking had six themes: (1) improve cultural sensitivity, (2) make EM mental health practitioners available, (3) improve professional conduct, (4) improve on-site support, (5) improve financial support and (6) improve mental health promotion in schools. Conclusion: This study found that EMs in Hong Kong experience double stigma, which keeps them away from seeking professional mental health care. There were also disparities in the use of mental health services by ethnicity. The study also made recommendations for promoting EM help-seeking at the individual, governmental and community levels.

Keywords: Ethnic minority; mental health services; stigma; cultural sensitivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:69:y:2023:i:6:p:1345-1353

DOI: 10.1177/00207640231161301

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