The qualitative accounts of black informal carers of people with psychosis and their experiences accessing mental health services: a systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Individuals from Black racially minoritised backgrounds are disproportionately diagnosed with psychotic disorders at higher rates. This presents unique caregiving challenges to informal (unpaid) carers. Black informal carers are more likely to face socio-economic challenges, including exposure to racism and discrimination, that impact their caregiving experiences and access to support. This systematic review aims to explore two primary questions: METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMABSE and MEDLINE via OVID were searched for articles reporting qualitative accounts of Black racially minoritised informal carers supporting a relative with psychosis from inception to 4th December 2024. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to assess the quality of included studies.

Results: 669 records were identified from the database searches and 11 studies were included in this systematic review. Seven key themes were identified from qualitative carer accounts that reflected issues related to stigma, shame and secrecy; mistrust and fear; faith communities; police relations; knowledge gaps; system navigation, and the cultural misfit of services.

Conclusions: Black racially minoritised informal carers in psychosis report several challenges in their roles, operating at individual, community, and societal levels. Improving our awareness of these issues and intervening to address their impacts are important as part of necessary steps required to provide effective support for Black informal carers and families affected by psychosis.

Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023438867.