Hasan Awan ( Three Minute Thesis )
School of Primary , Community and Social Care
How do men of South Asian origin with long-term physical conditions understand , experience and seek help for emotional distress ?
Background : People with physical-mental comorbidity have a poorer quality of life , worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality than those with physical conditions alone . People from some ethnic groups are less likely to recognise symptoms which may represent mental health problems and perceive a need for support . South Asians ( SAs ) are the largest minority group in the UK , and are more likely to have long-term conditions ( LTCs ) such as diabetes and heart disease . There is limited research of the experiences of men of SA origin with comorbid physical and mental health problems .
Approach : A systematic review synthesised studies that explore perceptions of emotional distress in SAs with LTCs . A qualitative study is being conducted to explore the perspectives of men of SA origin with LTCs on the experiences and help-seeking , for emotional distress . General Practitioners will also be interviewed .
Findings : The systematic review findings suggest a complex interaction between physical health and emotional distress , this group uses a different vocabulary to describe emotional distress such as tension , gender differences , clinicians in primary care are not trusted or culturally relevant , and poverty plays a key role . Themes from initial analysis of the qualitative study include emotional distress in the context of a LTC , identity , causes of distress and its management , and the impact of covid .
Implications : This study will lead to improvement in the recognition and management of emotional distress in men of SA origin with LTCs in primary care . The research has the potential to influence policy-makers and commissioners about service provision for this group .
Postgraduate Conference 2021 Page 11