Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK
Safa Kemal Kaptan
Global Mental Health and Cultural Psychiatry Research Group, University of Manchester, UK; and Department of Psychology, Boğaziçi University, Türkiye
Sally Giles
Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, National Institute for Health and Care Research Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
Nusrat Husain
Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, UK; and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Prescot, UK
Maria Panagioti
Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, National Institute for Health and Care Research Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; and Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
Background Previous findings have indicated that self-harm and suicide are associated with different rates, and different risk and protective factors in South Asian people compared with White people in the UK. Substantial qualitative research has explored experiences of self-harm and suicide in South Asian people. Aims The study aims to review the existing qualitative evidence on self-harm and suicidal behaviours in South Asian communities in the UK. Method Systematic searches were conducted on Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Open Dissertations and the British Library Ethos databases. We selected qualitative studies from both journals and grey literature that included South Asian participants who were resident in the UK and presented perceptions or experiences of self-harm and/or suicidal behaviour. Analysis was undertaken based on the meta-ethnographic approach. Results Fifteen studies were included in the analysis. Experience of self-harm was discussed based on three aspects: behind self-harm, functions of self-harm and recovery from self-harm. ‘Behind self-harm’ refers to factors associated with self-harm and suicide. ‘Functions of self-harm’ captures the meaning attributed to self-harm and suicide. ‘Recovery from self-harm’ encapsulates personal and professional help, and practical suggestions for the improvement of mental health services. Conclusions Although some similarities with the majority White population were present, there were also crucial differences that need consideration when shaping health policies, improving access to health services and developing culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions for self-harm and suicide specific to South Asian communities in the UK.
