Working Paper 1:

Mental Health Literacy of Ethnic Minority Elders in a Chinese Society:

A Qualitative Study among South Asians in Hong Kong

Authors: Naubahar SHARIF, Chen Wenjin, Mengyuan NIU

This paper is uploaded on 14th May 2024. 

Abstract: 

Ethnic minorities (EMs) bear a greater burden of mental health problems and face challenges in accessing mental health care. Inadequate mental health literacy emerges as a primary contributor to help-seeking barriers and the underutilization of mental health services among ethnic minorities. However, the relationship between ethnicity and health system factors that influence the mental health literacy remain underexplored. This article extends the existing mental health help-seeking model for ethnic minorities, aiming to understand the formulation of their mental health literacy and pathways into mental health services. Specifically, we explore how these processes are influenced by ethnicity and health system factors. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted a study involving 28 South Asian elders and family caregivers in Hong Kong. The findings highlight limitations in ethnic minorities' mental health literacy, which significantly hinder their help-seeking behaviors. Cultural beliefs, contextual factors tied to their ethnicity, and barriers within the health systems collectively shape ethnic minorities' understanding and beliefs regarding mental health issues. This study underscores the challenges faced by ethnic minorities in accessing appropriate mental healthcare within the system, despite their overall willingness to engage with formal mental healthcare services. The findings contribute to the understanding of reducing mental health disparities among ethnic minorities in multicultural societies and metropolitan cities.

Keywords: Health Systems, Mental Health Literacy, Help-Seeking, Ethnic Minorities, South Asian, Hong Kong