Psychosis in the Caribbean Population
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding psychosis in secondary community settings in Caribbean service users: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
343843
Contact name
Melissa Braithwaite
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 20 days
Research summary
Understanding psychosis within the Caribbean population is crucial for addressing disparities in mental health care access and treatment outcomes. Psychosis, characterized by profound changes in perception, thoughts, and mood, affects individuals across various cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds. While psychotic experiences (PE) are prevalent in the general population, certain groups, particularly Black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the Caribbean, exhibit a higher prevalence, attributed to systemic factors such as health disparities and discrimination.
BAME groups within the Caribbean face barriers in accessing mental health care due to stigma and cultural taboos, leading to delayed treatment and crisis-driven care-seeking behaviors. Promoting racial equality within mental health services is essential to address these disparities. Cultural competence and humility among healthcare providers are necessary to understand and cater to the unique cultural backgrounds of Caribbean individuals effectively. However, there's a lack of research on healthcare professionals' competence in handling cultural, racial, and religious issues specific to the Caribbean context.
Communication challenges further hinder effective clinical practice within the Caribbean population, with professionals sometimes avoiding crucial conversations for fear of causing offense. Tailored care that balances cultural awareness with individual understanding is essential for engagement and effective treatment outcomes.
Exploring the meaning-making processes of hearing voices within the Caribbean population reveals the influence of culture, religion, and race on interpretation and coping mechanisms. Spiritual explanations often prevail among Caribbean communities, contrasting with explanations among other groups. The clash of identities further complicates these dynamics, highlighting the intersectionality of race and identity in auditory hallucinations.
Researching the meaning-making processes of psychosis within the Caribbean population, particularly among Caribbean women, is significant for understanding how cultural, religious, and racial contexts shape their experiences. It can inform culturally sensitive interventions and assess the competency of mental health services in addressing diverse needs within the Caribbean context. Bridging research with service competency can lead to better-tailored interventions for individuals experiencing psychosis in the Caribbean, ultimately contributing to more equitable mental health care provision in the region.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0234
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion