Abstract
Background: Racism and discrimination are among the factors perpetuating the persistent disparities within the Canadian health sector and related social and community services. Addressing issues of racism in Canada is crucial to reducing the mounting mental health disparities that subsequently impact the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of people, particularly racialized and Black individuals. While some research has been done on mental illness-related stigma, very few peer-reviewed studies have attempted anti-stigma interventions to improve the mental health disparities in Black families and communities (BFC) in Canada.
Objective: This paper outlines a study protocol that seeks to generate critical knowledge to reduce mental health disparities and mental illness stigma experienced by BFC and engage them in co-creating a best practice model to guide policy and programming. Our study intends to engage individuals living with or affected by mental illness, service providers, and community leaders in Black communities interested in stigma reduction activities and advocacy in Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Durham and York Regions, London Ontario, Brampton, and Ottawa.
Methods: Informed by population health promotion approaches, critical race theory, and intersectionality framework underpinned by social justice principles, this mixed methods study will engage individuals of Caribbean and African descent in the five cities in Ontario. We will employ online self-reported surveys with Black individuals (n=300) to assess depression, anxiety, stress, mental health knowledge, racial discrimination, and mental health stigma. We will also engage Black individuals (n=40) and service providers/community leaders (n=16) in focus groups and individual interviews n=10.
Results: Results from the survey and focus groups will inform the concept mapping activities with cross-sector leaders, decision-makers, and community advocates (n=30) to co-create a best practice model to improve mental health outcomes in BFC. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential analyses through SPSS and R software. Qualitative data will be transcribed verbatim and NVivo software will be used for data management. We will apply Braun and Clarke’s framework of six phases in thematic analysis.
Conclusions: This project will generate a novelty of knowledge to contribute to effective ways of addressing stigma of mental illness and promoting mental health literacy in BFC and other vulnerable populations. Also, the knowledge gained from this study will be taken back to the Black communities to empower affected individuals and their families. Keywords: racism, racial discrimination, anti-Black racism, mental illness and stigma, Black families and communities.