Help-Seeking Barriers among South Asian Communities with FEP v1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Barriers to Accessing Psychological Support in Early Intervention in Psychosis Services for South Asian People Experiencing First Episode of Psychosis
IRAS ID
368145
Contact name
Amaani Ahmed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 3 days
Research summary
Research has shown that individuals of South Asian heritage are at higher risk of developing psychosis, but are also less likely to access relevant services and evidence-based treatment. Several studies have examined the South Asian individuals' experiences of accessing support for psychosis and have identified factors that may influence these low help-seeking rates. However, few studies have focused specifically on the barriers to accessing psychological support in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services within this population.
The main research question for this study is: what are the factors that influence South Asian individuals’ access to psychological input within EIP services? From exploring this question, the research aims to understand the key pieces of information, considerations, and decision-making processes that South Asians go through when declining psychological input and/or dropping out of psychological input from EIP.
Participants will be recruited from three EIP services in West London: Ealing, Hounslow, and Hammersmith and Fulham. They will take part in an interview, which will be transcribed and then analysed.
This research should help us to develop a better understanding of what might be preventing South Asian individuals from accessing, and/or maintaining engagement in, psychological support from EIP services. By developing a better understanding of these barriers, this research could provide new insights into how we can provide culturally appropriate psychological services for the communities we serve.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0308
Date of REC Opinion
5 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion