The ongoing three-year research project, “Towards a More Inclusive Hong Kong: An Academic Study on Mental Health Policy for Ethnic Minority Elderly,” focuses on examining the mental health status of elderly and its underlying causes in Hong Kong, emphasizing inclusivity, community empowerment and policy changes. The interim findings underscore the urgent need for tailored approaches to address the unique challenges faced by ethnic minorities.
Current Progress
Since November 2023, the research team has completed over 320 surveys with elderly participants (representing 5% of the Indian, Nepalese and Pakistani elderly population in Hong Kong). This includes more than 250 participants from ethnic minorities and 55+ in-depth interviews.
Collaboration
Our collaboration with the Hong Kong Christian Service Active Ageing & Community Care Service has been instrumental in recruiting diverse communities. As a key project partner, they supported recruitment efforts from August 2023 to December 2023 and collaborated on activities with the project team.
Key Findings
The research emphasizes developing mental health programs specifically for elderly individuals from ethnic minorities. Utilizing their preferred digital platforms can effectively disseminate information, reduce stigma, and improve health-seeking behaviors.
To enhance inclusivity in healthcare, we recommend integrating culturally sensitive resources into public healthcare systems. This includes investment in support services such as translators and multicultural mental health professionals, as well as educating healthcare providers about cultural backgrounds to ensure appropriate care.
Community empowerment should be prioritized by collaborating with community and religious leaders, leveraging existing structures to enhance mental health literacy, and aligning education with cultural beliefs for better acceptance and outcomes.
Improving mental health data collection is crucial. We propose conducting large-scale surveys and qualitative studies and building knowledge exchange platforms to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Furthermore, mental health considerations should be integrated into policies across sectors such as education and housing to promote supportive environments and enhance overall well-being.
For more research dissemination, please read the HKUST Public Policy Bulletin Issue No.9.
Next Steps
Stay tuned as the team continues to expand upon and disseminate the research findings.
Elderly participants arranged by the Hong Kong Christian Service Active Ageing & Community Care Service to visit the HKUST.
Elderly participants arranged by the Hong Kong Christian Service Active Ageing & Community Care Service to visit the HKUST.
For enquiries, please contact us at emmh@ust.hk
Address:
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
c/o Division of Public Policy (PPOL)
Room 4384, Academic Building,
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong