Critical Report On The Research Process Assessment

The topic being investigated

The study investigates Sri Lankan Australians' perceptions on the factors that promote the use of mental health services. The study's main objective is to discover the facilitators and barriers that affect how readily people in the Sri Lankan Australian community can obtain mental health treatment (Daluwatta et al., 2023). This involves looking at the attitudes, convictions, and perceptions that influence their choice to seek assistance for mental health issues. The study also explores possible tactics or treatments that can increase the community's use of mental health services. The investigation will focus on elements like relationships with mental health professionals, trust in mental health providers, community attitudes towards asking for help for mental health problems, awareness of mental health conditions, stigma reduction, cultural responsiveness of services, affordability and accessibility of services, and community-based methods for boosting mental health literacy.

Research Rationale

The study highlights the need to discover characteristics that enable access to care in order to close the gap in mental health service utilisation among Sri Lankan Australians. In order to improve mental health assistance for this population, the study intends to educate clinical practises, interventions, and future research initiatives. The study justification begins with recognising the existence of a "service gap" in the use of mental health services. Individuals with mental health concerns, particularly those within Asian immigrant and refugee groups, frequently avoid seeking or using mental health services despite the fact that evidence-based treatments and support are accessible. The Sri Lankan Australian population is particularly affected by this phenomena.

The study stands apart from previous material because of its narrow emphasis on Sri Lankan Australians. Although earlier research has looked at some of the obstacles, less is known about the factors that encourage this community to use mental health services. The study hopes to improve service utilisation by extrapolating these findings to the Sri Lankan Australian environment. It also intends to help establish cultural competence in mental health care.

The research highlights the influence the clinician-patient connection has on how people use services. It recognises that having multilingual, bicultural doctors who place a high value on building solid therapy connections might make it easier for people to obtain mental health treatment. Last but not least, the study suggests that identifying and addressing facilitators can help Sri Lankan Australians have more access to mental health care. This could lead to better mental health outcomes for members of this community and direct mental health providers to deliver more efficient, culturally competent care.

Background for the study

Utilising mental health services is a vital part of safeguarding the wellbeing of people in immigrant communities. Due to issues including cultural norms, language obstacles, stigma, and lack of knowledge with the healthcare system, immigrant groups frequently experience special difficulties in accessing and using mental health services. With a focus on Sri Lankan Australians specifically, this literature review intends to study patterns of mental health care use among immigrant populations and identify the facilitators and barriers that affect their help-seeking behaviours.

Research indicates that immigrant communities, including Asian populations, consistently exhibit lower rates of mental health service utilization compared to the host populations. (Rathnayake & Ekanayaka, 2016) found that cultural norms and stigma play a significant role in inhibiting immigrants' willingness to seek professional help for mental health concerns. Studied by Hapangama et al. (2023) that demonstrate the intricate interactions between cultural values and mental health help-seeking behaviours further emphasise this pattern.

Sri Lankan Australians stand out among immigrant groups for their distinctive patterns of mental health treatment use. Daluwatta et al, (2023) reported that this community exhibits some of the lowest rates of accessing mental health services, despite the presence of evidence-based treatments. These findings are corroborated by Daluwatta et al, (2021), who identify stigma surrounding mental health issues as a significant barrier in the Sri Lankan Australian context.Several factors contribute to the underutilization of mental health services within immigrant communities. In the case of Sri Lankan Australians, cultural stigma is a dominant barrier.

Studies by Hongo et al., (2021) highlight the perception of mental illness as a social taboo, preventing individuals from seeking professional help. Additionally, language barriers and a lack of awareness about available services contribute to the limited utilization of mental health care (Kathriarachchi et al., 2021). While barriers are well-documented, there is a lack of research specifically exploring the facilitators that encourage mental health service utilization among immigrant communities, including Sri Lankan Australians. However Hongo et al, (2021), research in related immigrant contexts offers insights. Studies on culturally and linguistically diverse immigrant women suggest that culturally responsive services, affordability, trustworthiness, and access to bilingual, bicultural clinicians can facilitate service utilization.

Aims and objectives of the study

The aims and objectives of this study focus on uncovering the facilitators that contribute to the utilization of mental health services among Sri Lankan Australians. By achieving these aims and objectives, the research intends to contribute valuable insights to mental health professionals, policymakers, and researchers aiming to bridge the mental health service utilization gap in this specific community.

Aims:

The overarching aim of this study is to investigate the facilitators that encourage mental health service utilization among Sri Lankan Australians.

Objectives:

1. To investigate the extent to which trust in mental health providers and their perceived ability to maintain confidentiality act as facilitators in encouraging Sri Lankan Australians to seek and use mental health services.
2. To examine the influence of positive community attitudes towards mental health help-seeking on service utilization among Sri Lankan Australians.
3. To analyse the role of positive relationships between Sri Lankan Australians and mental health professionals in facilitating the decision to access mental health care.
4. To investigate the impact of service-level factors, such as cultural responsiveness, affordability, and accessibility, on encouraging individuals to engage with mental health services.
5. To explore how the availability of bilingual, bicultural clinicians influences the utilization of mental health services among Sri Lankan Australians.

Key concepts defined and measured

In the study about Sri Lankan Australians and mental health services, some important things were defined and measured. The study measured, what makes it easier for people to use mental health services, like talking to professionals. Another thing was figuring out if certain ways to help, like spreading awareness about mental health, would be useful. This study also asked people questions about their age, where they're from, and other things to understand them better. People also said what they think would help them use mental health services. These thoughts were analysed to find common ideas. The study also looked at how the community feels about mental health services. Overall, they tried to learn about the things that help Sri Lankan Australians use mental health services better.

Sampling process

The study used a purposive sampling strategy to recruit participants who met specific eligibility criteria, including age, language proficiency, Sri Lankan ancestry, and residency in Australia. In order to guarantee that participants satisfied the precise criteria pertinent to the study's focus on facilitators of mental health care utilisation among people of Sri Lankan ancestry living in Australia, a purposeful selection method was chosen. Using this strategy, researchers were able to focus on people who, because of their common history and experiences, could be able to offer insightful responses to the research topic.

A variety of methods were used for recruitment, including mailing lists, social media, websites, radio stations, and community partners, clinicians, and leaders in the community. This strategy attempted to collect viewpoints from people who could provide pertinent insights into the factors that encourage the targeted demographic to use mental health services. A sample of 262 people from the Sri Lankan Australian community was included in the study. Both quantitative data (rating items) and qualitative data (open-ended responses) are gathered and examined in order to create a thorough understanding.

Data collection methods

The questionnaire is distributed using the Qualtrics survey platform. Online access to the poll is made possible through a number of entities in the community, on social media, and on associated websites. Before the survey asks demographic questions to describe the sample, informed consent is necessary. Participants respond to the "Facilitator Set," rating each item on a Likert scale to express how much facilitation they believe has taken place. Additionally, in response to open-ended questions, participants give their thoughts on what inspires them to seek out and use mental health services.

Data Analysis

The study included a variety of methodologies to gather quantitative and qualitative data on the factors that influence the usage of mental health services by Sri Lankan Australians. Demographic information, Likert-scale ratings, and open-ended questions were combined to create a thorough picture of the variables influencing the utilisation of mental health services in this area. The study's statistical and qualitative analysis had the objective of drawing significant conclusions from the data acquired.

Participants' age, gender, education level, country of birth, ethnicity, religion, and length of time in Australia were all recorded as part of the demographic data. The facilitator set, which consists of 18 treatment facilitators, was scored by participants in terms of how much it influenced their decision to use and seek out mental health services. Higher scores on a Likert scale, which was employed, indicated better facilitation. Participants were given the opportunity to suggest more elements that would make accessing mental health care easier by way of an open-ended enquiry.

A list of seven public health interventions (items from the Intervention Set) was developed to gather participants' input on recommendations for improving mental health service utilization and well-being. Participants rated the helpfulness of these interventions using a 4-point Likert scale. An open-ended question at the end allowed participants to provide further recommendations.

Quantitative Data Analysis

For the 18-item Facilitator Set and the 7-item Intervention Set, the study summarized the pattern and distribution of responses using the following approaches:

• For each item in both sets, the study calculated the percentage of participants who endorsed the item as helpful to any degree (i.e., ratings other than "not at all").
• This provided an understanding of which specific facilitators were perceived as useful by participants.
• For each item in both sets, the study calculated the mean response score by averaging the Likert-scale ratings provided by participants.
• This mean score indicated the average perceived level of facilitation for each item, allowing for comparison among different facilitators.

Qualitative Data Analysis

For the qualitative data obtained from participants' open-ended responses, a reflexive thematic analysis approach was used:

• The author read through the printed-out responses multiple times to become familiar with the data.

   

• The majority of coding was semantic, capturing the explicit content of responses.
• Some latent coding was also applied to uncover broader concepts beyond the surface content.
• Conversations with other authors and personal reflections were used to enhance researcher reflexivity, considering the first author's background, ethnicity (Sri Lankan Australian), and relationship with the community.
• Codes derived from data extracts were organized into potential meaningful themes.
• These themes were discussed with other authors to ensure validity and reliability.
• Mind maps were utilized to revise and refine themes, ensuring they were firmly grounded in the data.
• Unnecessary details were removed from data extracts to enhance readability and comprehension.

Calculating endorsement percentages and mean response scores for each facilitator in both the Facilitator Set and Intervention Set were part of the quantitative data analysis. These computations revealed information about the perceived value of particular facilitators. Reflexive thematic analysis was used in the qualitative data analysis, which involved several phases to find themes and patterns in the participants' open-ended responses. The study team was able to develop a thorough understanding of the factors that influence Sri Lankan Australians' use of mental health services, and the mix of quantitative and qualitative data analysis gave them a foundation upon which to draw findings that were relevant.

The approach to interpretation of results

In order to interpret the findings, a methodical analysis of the data that was gathered was used. Patterns were found, and then conclusions that made sense in light of the study's goals were reached. The interpretive strategy entails conducting a thorough analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data, comparing the results, examining any convergence or divergence, and debating consequences. The study intends to provide a thorough understanding of the facilitators that affect mental health treatment utilisation among the Sri Lankan Australian population by integrating various data types.

Ethical issues

Research must take ethics into account, especially when looking at delicate subjects like the mental health of particular populations. Participants are provided with clear written information about the study's purpose, procedures, and ethical considerations. Informed consent is obtained from all participants before they proceed with the survey. Participant anonymity and confidentiality are emphasized, and data protection measures are in place.

Strengths and weaknesses of the methodological approach

Strengths of the Methodological Approach

1. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
2. Using a purposive sampling strategy helped include a range of participants from the Sri Lankan Australian community, ensuring diverse perspectives were represented.
3. Involving community members in the survey development process and refining questions ensured cultural relevance and sensitivity to the experiences of the participants.
4. By integrating quantitative and qualitative findings, researchers enhanced the reliability and validity of the results through triangulation, where different data types converge to provide a more accurate picture.
5. The study demonstrated ethical awareness by addressing sensitive content, providing support resources, and obtaining informed consent from participants.

Weaknesses and Suggestions for Improvement:

1. The purposive sampling strategy might introduce bias, as participants who chose to participate may have different attitudes toward mental health services compared to non-participants.
2. Participants self-selected to participate, which could lead to a biased sample of individuals who are more interested in mental health.
3. While the research team developed the Facilitator Set and Intervention Set, these measures could have benefited from pre-existing validated scales to enhance validity.
4. The study lacks detailed contextual information about participants' mental health histories, specific experiences, and cultural backgrounds, which could provide richer insights into the findings.
5. While the study employed a triangulation approach, potential validity issues could arise due to the reliance on self-reported data and the potential for social desirability bias.

Issues of validity and reliability

1. Internal Validity: The mixed-methods design and triangulation enhance internal validity by corroborating findings from different sources, increasing the likelihood that the conclusions accurately represent participants' experiences.
2. External Validity: The study's findings may be transferable to similar immigrant communities but might not fully apply to other cultural or geographical contexts.
3. Reliability: While quantitative measures are standardized and contribute to reliability, qualitative analysis can be prone to subjectivity. Inter-coder reliability checks and detailed documentation of the analysis process would enhance reliability.

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your academic journey? Don't worry, we've got your back! Exam Question Bank is your trusted partner in achieving academic excellence for all kind of technical and non-technical subjects.

Our comprehensive range of academic services is designed to cater to students at every level. Whether you're a high school student, a college undergraduate, or pursuing advanced studies, we have the expertise and resources to support you.

To connect with expert and ask your query click here Exam Question Bank