The E-BAME study therefore aims to explore the health and wellbeing in Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and faiths groups during and post the Covid-19 pandemic.
This project will explore the long-term impacts of Covid-19 on the health and wellbeing of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and faith groups during and post the Covid-19 pandemic.
The following research questions will be explored to assess:
1. The health and wellbeing of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and faith groups during the Covid-19 pandemic
2. Service use, support and information available in relation to Covid-19 within this population
3. Mental health needs within Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and faith groups
4. Barriers for service use within Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and faith groups
5.Dementia awareness and knowledge within BAME and faith groups,
Inclusion criteria:
The study will explore the health and wellbeing of ethnic communities and faith groups during and post the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants will be invited to complete a series of online surveys at five time points (baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 month follow up assessments), followed by an annual assessment over the duration of five years.
Study questions will be based on the following topics:
Participants will also have the opportunity to join the study Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group. The PPI group will meet and hold discussions regarding the study, care needs, key gaps in research and how the study may help to address some of the key health needs highlighted. Public and patient involvement groups will take place online using the Zoom or Teams platform.
This study will help us to better understand the health and well-being of ethnic communities and faith groups. Additionally, it will help to bridge the gap between research and underserved communities, whilst developing a long-lasting participant-research rapport.
Additionally, the study will help us to understand information on psychological impacts (quality of life, loneliness and mental health), Covid-19/health related support and coping strategies within these cohorts. The project will also provide validated supportive information on how to cope better during this pandemic.
The project hopes to contribute towards improving dementia knowledge, representation of ethnic communities within research and enabling them to access help for memory services in timely manner. The project will also provide valuable feedback to research teams to help with future engagement across all communities.
The key findings of the study will enable us to develop strategies to better address future care and research needs. These findings will be shared and made accessible to the community, health services and researchers. The project will allow us to better advise researchers on how to ensure that all research participation is diverse and generalisable to all communities.
The study was adopted by NIHR ARC South London in July 2022. It is funded by the Maudsley BRC and will be completed by October 2027.
