Submission ID 131040
| Issue/Objective | Limited access to culturally safe and inclusive mental health (MH) services and social stigma connected to mental illness (MI) frighten affected Black individuals and families from seeking care and support at multiple levels. Besides the emotional density associated with their conditions, they also suffer social exclusion due to societal stigma and systemic racism. There is a paucity of studies within the family context with respect to stigma reduction, hence this research is critical given the primary role of families in the lives of persons living with MH problems. We explored how multi-level strategies can promote Black MH resilience. |
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| Methodology/Approach | The study was undertaken in five major cities in Ontario, where a substantial portion of Black Canadians reside. Qualitative methods were employed. Seven focus group interviews were conducted with Black persons affected by MI and related stigma, as well as Black community leaders and service providers. Additionally, ten follow-up interviews were completed with selected persons from the group interviews and others who did not participate in the group interviews. Discussion topics included experiences of mental illness stigma (MIS); effects of racism and discrimination on stigma; and strategies to address stigma and systemic racism. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted, utilizing Braun and Clarke's six-step analytical framework. |
| Results | Informed by ecological models, participants reported accessing MH resources and engaging with social media to improve MH literacy at the individual level. At the interpersonal level, participants advocated for family MH literacy and support in Black families, open dialogue on MIS, sharing MH concerns with family and friends, and building emotional bonds to promote social support. Suggestions to improve community support systems at the community-level included centering Black cultural beliefs and expressions, mobilizing BC to address MIS, and building safe community spaces for dialogue. Lastly, participants called for the institutionalization of culturally safe and anti-racism policies, increasing Black communities (BC) access to training and education in health-related disciplines, and scaling up professional training on cultural humility and accountable care. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Culturally responsive interventions and programmes to improve the health and well-being of Black Canadians are critically needed. Researchers, policymakers, and service providers should collaborate to find innovative ways to increase access to culturally tailored programmes and interventions at multiple levels in BC. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Joseph Adu Toronto Metropolitan University Joseph Adu Toronto Metropolitan University Josephine P. H Wong Toronto Metropolitan University Priscilla Boakye Toronto Metropolitan University Egbe B Etowa Toronto Metropolitan University Sebastian Gyamfi University of Windsor Mark Owusu University of Otago |
