[Last modified: October, 6 2024 07:44 PM]
Research Proposal: Understanding Mental Health Treatment-Seeking Behaviours in Somali Immigrant Community in Hayes area, West London.
Research Question:
How do cultural beliefs and practices surround mental health influence the help-seeking behaviours of Somali immigrant community in Hayes area, West London?
Introduction for the research:
Mental health issues are prevalent across Somali immigrant community in the UK, yet seeking treatment can vary, particularly within the Somali community itself. Cultural beliefs surrounding mental health shape how individuals respond to this issue. This ethnographic research project aims to look at and anthropologically explore the cultural dimensions of mental health treatment-seeking Behaviours among Somalis in an urban setting, focusing on the intersections of deep-rooted stigmatisation emulating from their nomadic background, religious misconceptions, and cultural identity.
Background
In many East African immigrant communities including Somalis, often perceived mental health notion through cultural and religious lenses, thereby influencing individuals’ willingness to seek professional help. In the case of recent Somali immigrant, traditional healing practices may be preferred over formal mental health services, this can lead to a potential gap in healthcare.
Methodology:
This ethnographic study will use a qualitative approach, while incorporating semi-structured interviews and participant observation within a specific urban setting approach when conducting this specified research. The target population will include individuals of both recent and those who arrived in 1990s of Somali-British citizens aged between 25-60 from distinct parts of Somalia, who have experienced mental health challenges. The research also aims to collect data through interviews to explore participants’ views about mental health, if they experienced communal stigma, and their access to care. Participant observation at Hayes community centre will further enhance the data, providing epistemological context to the participants’ narratives. This community still grapples with the complexities of the civil war trauma, language barriers and inadequate housing.
Anticipated Outcomes:
This research is expected to highlight the various cultural factors influencing treatment-seeking behaviours among Somali immigrant population in West London, and particularly Hayes area. Any findings from this research are expected to reveal significant barriers such as stigma, lack of cultural understanding among healthcare providers, and reliance on outdated approaches. The study strives to identify culturally sensitive interventions that can facilitate better access to mental health care in the future.
Conclusion:
By researching the cultural beliefs that influence mental health help-seeking tendencies in Somali immigrant community will pave the way for improved mental health care strategies, proactive community engagement and culturally competent health care providers.