Racial disparities influence access and outcomes in talking therapies.

The National Health Service Race and Health Observatory provides an evidence-based approach to tackling racial disparities in health and making policy recommendations. Its Mental Health Advisory Group is responsible for commissioning research into racial and ethnic disparities in mental health, and in this regard, improving access to psychological therapies became a key focus.

Gene-gene and gene-environmental interaction of dopaminergic system genes in Pakistani children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study examined the specific gene variants, dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) rs6350, dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) rs6280, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) rs6277, and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4633, in relation to ADHD among Pakistani children by exploring the potential gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.

Methods: A total of 100 cases of ADHD and 100 healthy children were recruited.

COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours among health and social care workers in the UK: A mixed-methods study.

Background: The UK began delivering its COVID-19 vaccination programme on 8 December 2020, with health and social care workers (H&SCWs) given high priority for vaccination. Despite well-documented occupational exposure risks, however, there is evidence of lower uptake among some H&SCW groups.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach-involving an online cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews-to gain insight into COVID-19 vaccination beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours amongst H&SCWs in the UK by socio-demographic and employment variables.

The psychosocial experiences of breast cancer amongst Black, South Asian and White survivors: do differences exist between ethnic groups?

Background: Very little UK-based research has examined breast cancer-related experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic populations, and we do not know whether the psychosocial impact of diagnosis and treatment in this group is any different to that of White women. Therefore, this study examined similarities and differences amongst Black, South Asian and White breast cancer survivors.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted; 173 breast cancer survivors (80 White, 53 South Asian and 40 Black) completed a questionnaire, which assessed psychological functioning, social support, body image and beliefs about cancer.

Registering ischaemic heart disease: are we meeting the targets for South Asians?

Background: Registration on a primary care disease register is a necessary first step for the provision of systematic care for ischaemic heart disease (IHD). We examined whether there is any potential bias in IHD registration based upon the ethnic origin of the patient.

Methods: 'Observed' rates of ischaemic heart disease registration from 12 general practices in Bristol were contrasted with national 'expected' rates derived from the Health Survey for England, 1999, with the aim of comparing rates of registration between patients whose countries of origin were South Asian and non-South Asian.