Predictors of help-seeking intentions for mental illness symptoms among minority-UK mothers

Aim

Research examining factors that enhance help-seeking intentions is limited among minoritised ethnic communities. Minoritised ethnic groups consist of anyone that is not White British; this includes, Asian or Asian British, Black, Black British, Caribbean or African, Mixed or multiple ethnic groups, Arab, White Other (e.g., American/Australian and anyone of European descent) and any other ethnic groups. Gypsy, Roma and Irish groups who live in the UK are also classed as ethnic minorities.

Help-seeking intention is defined as the intent to seek help for physical and/or mental health illness from trusted people in the community such as mental health professionals. Researchers are interested in understanding what influences decisions to seek professional help for perinatal anxiety and depression symptoms among women and birthing people who are either pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months in the UK, who belong to a minoritised ethnic group. Specifically, they aim to investigate whether personal beliefs about seeking help, perception of others’ beliefs about seeking help, perceptions of own abilities in overcoming difficulties, level of social support, and severity of the symptoms of anxiety and depression affect intentions to seek help. 

Voice members contribution is important for developing their understanding of help-seeking for perinatal mental illness. The findings from this study can inform initiatives to enhance access to perinatal mental health treatments, specifically among women and birthing people living in the UK who belong to a minoritised ethnic group.

Volunteer Criteria

• Aged 18+
• Be pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months
• From a minoritised ethnic group. Minoritised ethnic groups consist of anyone that is not White British; this includes, Asian or Asian British, Black, Black British, Caribbean or African, Mixed or multiple ethnic groups, Arab, White Other (e.g., American/Australian and anyone of European descent) and any other ethnic groups. Gypsy, Roma and Irish groups who live in the UK are also classed as ethnic minorities.
• Living in the UK (includes permanent or temporary)

What will I be asked to do?

Participants will be asked to complete a survey, which should take approximately 30 minutes to complete, on any appropriate technological device, such as: smart phone, tablet or computer. 

The survey will consist of questions regarding socio-demographic information (e.g., age, education), intentions to seek help, attitudes, beliefs about seeking help, social support and symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

When and where?

Online up until the 30th June.

Will I get anything for taking part?

Participants can win a £50 Amazon gift voucher.

If you would like to enter the prize draw, they will be asked to provide their email address upon completion of the survey. 

You will also be asked to share the link to the survey to anyone you know who meets the eligibility criteria. The more people you recruit, the higher the chance of winning a £50 Amazon gift voucher (two available).