Exploring experiences with alcohol and how drinking has changed over time among minority ethnic groups with a diagnosed mental health problem

Introduction: Minority ethnic groups are more likely to experience poor mental health but less
likely to seek formal support. Mental health problems and alcohol use (including non-drinking)
co-occur, the reasons for this among minority ethnic groups are not well understood. This study
explored i) alcohol use among minority ethnic individuals with a mental health problem,ii) how
alcohol was used before individuals received support for their mental health,iii) how alcohol
changed whilst and after individuals received treatment for their mental health.
Methods: Participants were purposively sampled through community/online mental health
organisations. Participants took part if they i)were not White British, ii) had a mental health
diagnosis, iii) drank at hazardous and above levels or former drinkers. Telephone/online semistructured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using framework analysis with an
intersectional lens.
Results: 25 participants took part. Four themes were developed; “drinking motivations”, “mental
health literacy and implications on drinking behaviour”, “cultural expectations and its influence
on mental health problems and drinking practices”, and “reasons for changes in drinking”. Themes
reflect reasons for drinking and the role of understanding the range of mental health problems and
implicit cultural expectations. An intersectional lens indicated gendered, ethnic and religious
nuances in experiences with alcohol and seeking support. Engaging with formal support prompted
changes in drinking which were facilitated through wider support.
Conclusion: There were specific reasons to cope among minority ethnic individuals who have a
mental health problem. Applying an intersectional lens provided an insight into the role of cultural
and gendered expectations on mental health and drinking practices. Mental health literacy and
implicit cultural expectations within specific minority ethnic groups can affect both mental health
and drinking practices. Healthcare professionals and wider community play an important role in
prompting changes in drinking among minority ethnic groups who have a mental health problem.