Ghazala Mir - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ghazala Mir
Social inequalities are intensifying globally and widening divisions are linked to civil unrest. ... more Social inequalities are intensifying globally and widening divisions are linked to civil unrest. Disadvantaged ethnic and religious groups experience poor access to, representation in and outcomes from public services such as healthcare and education. As mechanisms for social participation and citizenship, public services are key to inclusive and sustainable societies. In this paper we present results of a systematic review on strategies for the inclusion of minority ethnic and religious communities, often neglected populations in term of sustainable development activity. We focus on four public service areas: education, health, local government and police services and identify evidence gaps. Our overall aim is to raise awareness and provoke debate, reflection and subsequently action towards the inclusion of disadvantaged ethnic and religious minorities within public services. Public service inclusion strategies were identified through a global evidence review and four country specific reviews conducted by the Socially Inclusive Cities Network – academics, NGOs, policy – makers and practitioners from India, Kenya, Nigeria, Vietnam and the UK. Published evidence was supplemented by country-based and international workshops involving over 230 relevant stakeholders. We specifically explored intersectional experience relating to gender, age and migration status. 56 publications were identified for the global review, mostly in health and education. Macro (social and political), meso (institutional) and micro (individual) arena were identified as three distinct but interconnected levels through which exclusion is operationalized. Three overarching frameworks appeared key to successful ethnic and religious inclusion initiatives: accounting for social context; multiple strategies for system reform; and collaboration with disadvantaged communities. Inclusion strategies that address macro, meso and micro level drivers of exclusion are needed to achieve the aspirations of SDG 10. Involving affected communities is key to their success.
and depression: the role of religious beliefs in therapy
We are extremely grateful to all those who assisted us with this study. While they are too numero... more We are extremely grateful to all those who assisted us with this study. While they are too numerous to mention individually, we would like to extend our special thanks to the people with learning difficulties and to the family carers who shared their experiences and views with us. In ...
s of records were screened for eligibility, with at least 25 percent of results examined by two r... more s of records were screened for eligibility, with at least 25 percent of results examined by two researchers. Second, the full texts of eligible papers were analysed using a standardised template. In addition to establishing existing strategies for inclusion of minority ethnic or religious populations, the review examined the concepts, theories, methods or logic models underpinning these strategies. The quality of papers was assessed in terms of theoretical underpinnings for inclusion strategies and methodological strengths or limitations, including potential bias. Evidence regarding the success, effectiveness or sustainability of initiatives was identified to help inform future policy and practice and initiatives relating specifically to gender, age and migration were also identified, to capture any initiatives aiming to reduce intersectional disadvantage. Finally, gaps in the evidence were highlighted in order to develop a future research agenda that could support the improved soci...
Ethnicity & Health
Objective: COVID-19-related inequities experienced by racial and ethnic minority groups including... more Objective: COVID-19-related inequities experienced by racial and ethnic minority groups including healthcare professionals mirror wider health inequities, which risk being perpetuated by lower uptake of vaccination. We aim to better understand lower uptake among racial and ethnic minority staff groups to inform initiatives to enhance uptake. Design: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted (October 2020-January 2021) with UK-based healthcare staff. Data were inductively and thematically analysed. Results: Vaccine decision-making processes were underpinned by an overarching theme, 'weighing up risks of harm against potential benefits to self and others'. Sub-themes included 'fear of harm', 'moral/ethical objections', 'potential benefits to self and others', 'information and misinformation', and 'institutional or workplace pressure'. We identified ways in which these were weighted more heavily towards vaccine hesitancy for racial and ethnic minority staff groups influenced by perceptions about institutional and structural discrimination. This included suspicions and fear around institutional pressure to be vaccinated, racial injustices in vaccine development and testing, religious or ethical concerns, and legitimacy and accessibility of vaccine messaging and communication. Conclusions: Drawing on a critical race perspective, we conclude that acknowledging historical and contemporary abuses of power is essential to avoid perpetuating and aggravating mistrust by decontextualising hesitancy from the social processes affecting hesitancy, undermining efforts to increase vaccine uptake.
European Journal of Public Health, 2016
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
PurposeThe importance of social exclusion and the disadvantage experienced by many minority ethni... more PurposeThe importance of social exclusion and the disadvantage experienced by many minority ethnic and religious populations are rooted in SDG 10. To address this exclusion effectively it is important to understand their key drivers. This paper aimed to establish the key drivers of exclusion and their outcomes in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe methods involved a scoping review of literature and stakeholder workshops that focused on drivers of social exclusion of religious and ethnic minorities in public institutions.FindingsAt the macro level, the drivers include ineffective centralized federal State, competition for resources and power among groups, geographic developmental divide and socio-cultural/religious issues. At the meso-level are institutional rules and competition for resources, stereotypes and misconceptions, barriers to access and service provision. At the micro-level are socio-economic status and health-seeking behaviour. The perceived impact of social exclusio...
The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
Inequalities in mental health treatment access and outcomes for minority ethnic and religious gro... more Inequalities in mental health treatment access and outcomes for minority ethnic and religious groups in the UK have been recognized for more than a decade; however, work to address these at an operational level is still emerging. In recognition of the need for culturally adapted therapies, researchers at the University of Leeds developed and piloted an adapted therapy for Muslim clients, based on behavioural activation (BA), an existing evidence-based psychosocial treatment for depression. Therapists and supervisors at Touchstone, Leeds have been trained to deliver the culturally adapted approach, which supports Muslim clients who choose to use ‘positive religious coping’ as a resource for health. This paper describes the key elements of the intervention and how it is being delivered in practice to increase service uptake and recovery in Muslim communities.
Health & social care in the community, Jan 25, 2016
This study explored underlying reasons for the expression of dissatisfaction with services among ... more This study explored underlying reasons for the expression of dissatisfaction with services among Bangladeshi and Pakistani social care users in England and investigated, using a collaborative approach, how these could be addressed. In-depth interviews were conducted in Birmingham, Leeds and London during 2012-2013 with 63 Bangladeshi, Pakistani and white British service users and 24 social care managers, social workers and care workers. A further 34 cognitive interviews were conducted within the same study. Following data analysis, three collaborative workshops involving service users and providers were held to validate the findings and to draw out policy and practice recommendations. Analysis of the cognitive interviews showed that higher dissatisfaction among Bangladeshi and Pakistani service users reported in social care surveys was not due to questionnaire design. Instead in-depth interviews showed that dissatisfaction across all three groups was expressed along the social care ...
Abnormal and Behavioural Psychology, 2016
1. Information about services should be available in a range of languages and format. 2. Employin... more 1. Information about services should be available in a range of languages and format. 2. Employing staff from minority ethnic communities at all levels of an organisation increases cultural competence within it. 3. Families may need to be involved in the communication process. 4. Effective communication requires action at the institutional as well as individual level.
Social inequalities are intensifying globally and widening divisions are linked to civil unrest. ... more Social inequalities are intensifying globally and widening divisions are linked to civil unrest. Disadvantaged ethnic and religious groups experience poor access to, representation in and outcomes from public services such as healthcare and education. As mechanisms for social participation and citizenship, public services are key to inclusive and sustainable societies. In this paper we present results of a systematic review on strategies for the inclusion of minority ethnic and religious communities, often neglected populations in term of sustainable development activity. We focus on four public service areas: education, health, local government and police services and identify evidence gaps. Our overall aim is to raise awareness and provoke debate, reflection and subsequently action towards the inclusion of disadvantaged ethnic and religious minorities within public services. Public service inclusion strategies were identified through a global evidence review and four country specific reviews conducted by the Socially Inclusive Cities Network – academics, NGOs, policy – makers and practitioners from India, Kenya, Nigeria, Vietnam and the UK. Published evidence was supplemented by country-based and international workshops involving over 230 relevant stakeholders. We specifically explored intersectional experience relating to gender, age and migration status. 56 publications were identified for the global review, mostly in health and education. Macro (social and political), meso (institutional) and micro (individual) arena were identified as three distinct but interconnected levels through which exclusion is operationalized. Three overarching frameworks appeared key to successful ethnic and religious inclusion initiatives: accounting for social context; multiple strategies for system reform; and collaboration with disadvantaged communities. Inclusion strategies that address macro, meso and micro level drivers of exclusion are needed to achieve the aspirations of SDG 10. Involving affected communities is key to their success.
and depression: the role of religious beliefs in therapy
We are extremely grateful to all those who assisted us with this study. While they are too numero... more We are extremely grateful to all those who assisted us with this study. While they are too numerous to mention individually, we would like to extend our special thanks to the people with learning difficulties and to the family carers who shared their experiences and views with us. In ...
s of records were screened for eligibility, with at least 25 percent of results examined by two r... more s of records were screened for eligibility, with at least 25 percent of results examined by two researchers. Second, the full texts of eligible papers were analysed using a standardised template. In addition to establishing existing strategies for inclusion of minority ethnic or religious populations, the review examined the concepts, theories, methods or logic models underpinning these strategies. The quality of papers was assessed in terms of theoretical underpinnings for inclusion strategies and methodological strengths or limitations, including potential bias. Evidence regarding the success, effectiveness or sustainability of initiatives was identified to help inform future policy and practice and initiatives relating specifically to gender, age and migration were also identified, to capture any initiatives aiming to reduce intersectional disadvantage. Finally, gaps in the evidence were highlighted in order to develop a future research agenda that could support the improved soci...
Ethnicity & Health
Objective: COVID-19-related inequities experienced by racial and ethnic minority groups including... more Objective: COVID-19-related inequities experienced by racial and ethnic minority groups including healthcare professionals mirror wider health inequities, which risk being perpetuated by lower uptake of vaccination. We aim to better understand lower uptake among racial and ethnic minority staff groups to inform initiatives to enhance uptake. Design: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted (October 2020-January 2021) with UK-based healthcare staff. Data were inductively and thematically analysed. Results: Vaccine decision-making processes were underpinned by an overarching theme, 'weighing up risks of harm against potential benefits to self and others'. Sub-themes included 'fear of harm', 'moral/ethical objections', 'potential benefits to self and others', 'information and misinformation', and 'institutional or workplace pressure'. We identified ways in which these were weighted more heavily towards vaccine hesitancy for racial and ethnic minority staff groups influenced by perceptions about institutional and structural discrimination. This included suspicions and fear around institutional pressure to be vaccinated, racial injustices in vaccine development and testing, religious or ethical concerns, and legitimacy and accessibility of vaccine messaging and communication. Conclusions: Drawing on a critical race perspective, we conclude that acknowledging historical and contemporary abuses of power is essential to avoid perpetuating and aggravating mistrust by decontextualising hesitancy from the social processes affecting hesitancy, undermining efforts to increase vaccine uptake.
European Journal of Public Health, 2016
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
PurposeThe importance of social exclusion and the disadvantage experienced by many minority ethni... more PurposeThe importance of social exclusion and the disadvantage experienced by many minority ethnic and religious populations are rooted in SDG 10. To address this exclusion effectively it is important to understand their key drivers. This paper aimed to establish the key drivers of exclusion and their outcomes in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe methods involved a scoping review of literature and stakeholder workshops that focused on drivers of social exclusion of religious and ethnic minorities in public institutions.FindingsAt the macro level, the drivers include ineffective centralized federal State, competition for resources and power among groups, geographic developmental divide and socio-cultural/religious issues. At the meso-level are institutional rules and competition for resources, stereotypes and misconceptions, barriers to access and service provision. At the micro-level are socio-economic status and health-seeking behaviour. The perceived impact of social exclusio...
The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
Inequalities in mental health treatment access and outcomes for minority ethnic and religious gro... more Inequalities in mental health treatment access and outcomes for minority ethnic and religious groups in the UK have been recognized for more than a decade; however, work to address these at an operational level is still emerging. In recognition of the need for culturally adapted therapies, researchers at the University of Leeds developed and piloted an adapted therapy for Muslim clients, based on behavioural activation (BA), an existing evidence-based psychosocial treatment for depression. Therapists and supervisors at Touchstone, Leeds have been trained to deliver the culturally adapted approach, which supports Muslim clients who choose to use ‘positive religious coping’ as a resource for health. This paper describes the key elements of the intervention and how it is being delivered in practice to increase service uptake and recovery in Muslim communities.
Health & social care in the community, Jan 25, 2016
This study explored underlying reasons for the expression of dissatisfaction with services among ... more This study explored underlying reasons for the expression of dissatisfaction with services among Bangladeshi and Pakistani social care users in England and investigated, using a collaborative approach, how these could be addressed. In-depth interviews were conducted in Birmingham, Leeds and London during 2012-2013 with 63 Bangladeshi, Pakistani and white British service users and 24 social care managers, social workers and care workers. A further 34 cognitive interviews were conducted within the same study. Following data analysis, three collaborative workshops involving service users and providers were held to validate the findings and to draw out policy and practice recommendations. Analysis of the cognitive interviews showed that higher dissatisfaction among Bangladeshi and Pakistani service users reported in social care surveys was not due to questionnaire design. Instead in-depth interviews showed that dissatisfaction across all three groups was expressed along the social care ...
Abnormal and Behavioural Psychology, 2016
1. Information about services should be available in a range of languages and format. 2. Employin... more 1. Information about services should be available in a range of languages and format. 2. Employing staff from minority ethnic communities at all levels of an organisation increases cultural competence within it. 3. Families may need to be involved in the communication process. 4. Effective communication requires action at the institutional as well as individual level.