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

Author

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Suen Yi Nam & Wong Yik Chun & Wong Tak Hing Michael & Chan Kit Wa Sherry & Hui Lai Ming Christy & Lee Ho Ming Edwin & Chen Yu Hai Eric, 2023. "Double stigma in mental health service use: Experience from ethnic minorities in Hong Kong," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(6), pages 1345-1353, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:69:y:2023:i:6:p:1345-1353
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640231161301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rashda Tabassum & Ann Macaskill & Iftikhar Ahmad, 2000. "Attitudes Towards Mental Health in an Urban Pakistani Community in the United Kingdom," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 46(3), pages 170-181, September.
    2. Kwan, Chi Kin & Baig, Raees Begum & Lo, Kai Chung, 2018. "Stressors and coping strategies of ethnic minority youth: Youth and mental health practitioners' perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 497-503.
    3. Mclean, Carl & Campbell, Catherine & Cornish, Flora, 2003. "African-Caribbean interactions with mental health services in the UK: experiences and expectations of exclusion as (re)productive of health inequalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(3), pages 657-669, February.
    4. Nimisha Vandan & Janet Y‐H Wong & Daniel Y‐T Fong, 2019. "Accessing health care: Experiences of South Asian ethnic minority women in Hong Kong," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(1), pages 93-101, March.
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