Exploration of views about mental health in Gypsy, Traveller, Roma and Showmen communities

Abstract

Background:
There is disparity between the small amount of research exploring Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) communities’ experiences of mental health and the high
levels of mental health difficulties and suicide reported in this population. Previous reviews have focused on GTRSB communities' physical health or focused on mental health only
within one GTRSB community or are not specific to the UK.

Aim:
This systematic review explored: how GTRSB people understand mental health; how they identify what impacts mental health; their experiences of mental health services; and how services could be improved to meet the needs of their communities.

Method:
A systematic search of ASSIA, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and psychINFO yielded 12 papers. A quality appraisal was completed using the CASP framework. A thematic synthesis
explored the research questions.

Findings:
The papers were of reasonable quality. Four themes were derived: interpersonal, systemic, and structural influences on mental health; perspectives of mental health; conflicts between identity and community; and experience of services: past, present, and future wishes. Clinicaland research implications include the recommendation of the use of co-production, increase in cultural competence within services, and increased research on those GTRSB communities less explored in research.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English