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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Anna Robinson-BarellaORCiD, Dr Charlotte RichardsonORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
IntroductionThere remains limited research exploring the experiences of informal carers from ethnically minoritised groups, particularly to illustrate perceptions of caring roles and challenges they may face to address unmet needs. While barriers such as language, cultural expectations and discrimination are acknowledged in wider literature, little is known about how these influence caregiving experiences or access to services in practice. This work seeks to better describe the barriers and facilitators impacting carers from ethnically minoritised groups, as well as illustrate possible influences of culture and carer identity affecting this under-researched population.MethodsThroughout June–July 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal caregivers from ethnically minoritised groups (including: Pakistani, Black African, Indian, Arab, Chinese and Yemeni communities). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes. Ethical approval was obtained from Newcastle University Research Ethics Committee, ref: 2275/46476).ResultsFourteen carers of a variety of ages and ethnicities participated. Three overarching themes were developed from the data that centred on the following:Defining the role of a carer: people's journeys to becoming carers and links to roles as interpreters.Advocating for inclusive care: to receive accessible and understandable information.The impact of a person's wider community and culture upon their caring responsibility: culture and health are interlinked, and this influences the support that carers may need.ConclusionCarers from ethnically minoritised groups have faced challenges with linguistic barriers and the paucity of healthcare services that are sensitive to cultural differences. Much of the work to date has focused on ‘formal’ caregivers and paid roles, as well as the experiences of people from ethnic majority groups. This study contributes unique perspectives to the current knowledge base and raises novel, learning points specific to supporting carers from ethnically minoritised groups. Future research could extend the conclusions from this work to specifically explore possible ethnic and cultural nuances in caring experiences.Patient or Public ContributionAn informal carer (David Black) was involved in the design of the study and its materials, and carers from various ethnic minority groups were involved. The NIHR INVOLVE guidelines and recommendations for carer involvement in research were followed.
Author(s): Robinson-Barella A, Wayoe T, Deakin RL, Richardson CL
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Health Expectations
Year: 2025
Volume: 28
Issue: 5
Print publication date: 01/10/2025
Online publication date: 10/09/2025
Acceptance date: 19/08/2025
Date deposited: 12/09/2025
ISSN (print): 1369-6513
ISSN (electronic): 1369-7625
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70426
DOI: 10.1111/hex.70426
Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.
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