Analysis and mapping of research on barriers to mental health service utilization in minority and underserved groups (1993-2022)
| Date | 01 January 2024 |
| Pages | 1000-1013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-10-2023-0109 |
| Published date | 01 January 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Waleed Sweileh |
Analysis and mapping of research on
barriers to mental health service
utilization in minority and
underserved groups (1993-2022)
Waleed Sweileh
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to investigate research activity on barriers for minority and underserved
groupsto access and use mental health services.
Design/methodology/approach –Using Scopus, relevant articles published from 1993 to 2022 were
collected.The final list included 122 articles.
Findings –Researchhotspots included cultural and ethnicbarriers, obstacles encountered byLGBTQþ
individuals, challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, limited access in rural areas and barriers
affecting special populations. The top 10 cited articles focused on language barriers, cultural stigma,
gender-specific challenges and systemic obstacles. New research avenues included the role of
technologyin overcoming barriers to access mental health services.
Practical implications –Policymakers and practitioners can use this knowledge to develop targeted
interventions,enhance cultural competence,reduce stigma, improve rural access and provideLGBTQþ-
affirmingcare, ultimately promoting equitablemental health care.
Social implications –This research underscores the importance of addressingmental health service
barriers for equity and social justice. Neglecting these disparities can worsen mental health, increase
health-care costs, reduce productivity and lead to higher social welfare expenses, perpetuating
disadvantages.
Originality/value –This paper’s uniqueness lies in its comprehensiveanalysis of barriers and facilitators
to mental health service utilization among minority and underserved groups. It serves as a basis for
developing evidence-based strategies to improve service accessibility and enhance the well-being of
marginalizedcommunities.
Keywords Mental health services, Barriers, Researchlandscape, Minority groups, Underserved population
Paper type Research paper
Background
In recent years, the field of mental health has gained significant recognition as a crucial
component of overall well-being (Saxena et al., 2013;Whiteford et al.,2013;GBD 2019
Mental Disorders Collaborators, 2022). The recognition of mental health’s intricate interplay
with physical health and its profound impact on the quality of life has propelled the
importance of accessing and using mental health services to the forefront of public health
discourse (Thornicroft, 2011;Barreira, 1999). The effective utilization of mental health
services not only mitigates the burden of mental illnesses but also promotes resilience,
enhances coping mechanisms and fosters societal productivity (Patel and Prince, 2010).
However, despite the growing awareness of the significance of mental health services, a
substantial gap persists between the need for these services and their actual utilization.
Waleed Sweileh is based at
the Department of
Biomedical Sciences,
Faculty of Medicine and
Health Sciences,
An-Najah National
University, Nablus,
Palestine.
The author would like to
acknowledge Dr Saed Zyoud
and Dr Adham AbuTaha for
helping in validating the search
query.
PAGE 1000 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jVOL. 28 NO. 6 2024, pp. 1000-1013, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-10-2023-0109
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