Open AccessMental Health Inequalities Facing U.K. Minority Ethnic Populations
Author(s) -
Grey Tracy,
Sewell Hári,
Shapiro Gillian,
Ashraf Fahmida
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of psychological issues in organizational culture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2041-8426
pISSN - 2041-8418
DOI - 10.1002/jpoc.21080
Subject(s) - ethnic group , inequality , mental health , inclusion (mineral) , government (linguistics) , work (physics) , public relations , white paper , service (business) , service provider , medicine , political science , psychology , business , social psychology , psychiatry , marketing , engineering , mathematical analysis , linguistics , philosophy , mechanical engineering , mathematics , law
Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities continue to experience inequalities within the U.K. mental health system despite major government policy initiatives. The authors examined the literature for causal factors for continued mental health inequalities facing BME groups and potential solutions. The authors selected 53 articles from 1991 to 2012 based on inclusion criteria encompassing all major policy initiatives and relevant literature detailing explanations of mental health inequalities. Although ethnic inequalities in mental health have been of concern for decades in the United Kingdom, a still‐significant gap exists between policies and methods of implementation. In comparison to White people, more BME people are diagnosed with mental health issues every year. BME communities are also facing barriers in terms of accessing culturally appropriate services, including lack of cultural understanding, communication issues, and where and how to seek help. Service providers need to work closely with people from BME communities prior to service design and delivery. Information should be made available in appropriate languages to support understanding about their illnesses and how they can seek help. Frequent reviews may further help assess BME communities' needs and make required changes and implementations.