Reducing inequalities related to substance use and mental health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reducing health inequalities in disadvantaged populations experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health problems by identifying drivers and solutions to improve access to care
IRAS ID
346718
Contact name
Sheena E. Ramsay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
49153/2023, Newcastle University Ethics
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Substance use (drugs and alcohol) is closely interlinked with poor mental health, with one often reinforcing the other. People facing socioeconomic disadvantage often experience high levels of substance use and mental health challenges, and they face the biggest obstacles when trying to access support for these needs. Current evidence mostly focuses on white males living in urban areas and often examines either substance use or mental health challenges separately, but not both co-occurring. This creates a gap in understanding who is most at risk in underrepresented populations and how early access to support can be improved and tailored for these groups.
This project aims to identify the drivers of and solutions to reducing the risk of co-occurring substance use and mental health problems in the groups most at risk. It also seeks to identify solutions for improving early access to care.
We will speak to people experiencing these co-occurring conditions and those who support them to uncover issues underlying poor access to formal and informal health and social care support. This will be followed by a series of focus groups, where we will identify ways to improve support. We will collaborate with individuals who have lived experience of co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges throughout all stages of this research, from analysing qualitative data to co-developing accessible communication and dissemination activities.
Identifying specific at-risk groups and working with people with lived experience will help us develop solutions that can inform current and future practice and policy.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0195
Date of REC Opinion
25 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion