• To understand why black women have a high prevalence of mental health issues
• To learn why black women are underrepresented among mental health service users
• To reflect on the barriers to black women’s engagement with mental health services such as mistrust, sociocultural factors and lack of awareness
The prevalence of mental health issues among black women is high, but they are underrepresented among mental health service users. This article details a systematised review of the literature that explored black women’s perceptions and experiences of, and barriers to, engaging with mental health services. A total of 16 articles from the UK and North America were included in the review. Four main themes were identified as presenting barriers to black women’s engagement with services: mistrust; sociocultural factors; lack of awareness; and practical barriers. The intersection of gender and race was evident in the ‘strong black woman’ ideal, which may have hindered their recognition and disclosure of mental health conditions, as well as in practical barriers such as costs and caring responsibilities. Historical and cultural perceptions of mental health issues and healthcare services, alongside their previous negative experiences of services, may prevent many black women from accessing essential support. Nurses and other healthcare professionals have an important role in engendering trust, challenging racism and promoting positive mental health.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12272
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Adebayo T, McFeely C (2024) Exploring black women’s experiences of mental health services: a literature review. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12272
Published online: 30 September 2024
or
Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now
Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more