Is it possible to ethically research the mental health needs of the Somali communities in the UK?

Is it possible to ethically research the mental health needs of the Somali communities in the UK?

Mohamed, A.D.
Loewenthal, D.

2009/04/00

English

20090400

This article summarises ethical issues that arise when researching common mental disorders within the Somali communities in the UK. It addresses the danger of researching these disorders from a Eurocentric perspective which risks overlooking the difference in conceptualisation of mental illness between diff erent cultures in the West and Somalia. An ongoing study exploring Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) for Somali people in the UK is presented. The participants' own meaning of mental health and illness as well as their conceptualisation of anxiety and depression are examined. In developing the study, standard research paradigms are critically examined in order to take account of the unique aspects of Somali culture and experience. Focus group method is adopted to uphold both ethical and methodological rigour in the research. A participatory approach for developing ethical protocols within different refugee communities is recommended.

18.5.6

18.5.6;9.5.4;17.1;21.7

cultural pluralism--[pri];culture--[pri];health services research--[pri];mental disorders--[pri];mental health services--[pri];refugees--[pri]

behavioral research;community participation;ethnic groups;focus groups;health services accessibility;knowledge, attitudes, practice;mental health;mentally ill persons;minority groups;psychology;research design;research ethics;vulnerable populations

Great Britain--[pri];Somalia--[pri]

Improving Access to Psychological Therapy

Journal of Ethics in Mental Health [electronic] 2009 April; 4(1): 1-6

36

ja

journal

em

58 refs.

United Kingdom (Great Britain)