Perceptions and experiences of health and social care utilisation of the UK-Nepali population.

Abstract

With the growing UK Nepali community, understanding their health and social care needs is an essential to reduce health and social care inequalities. However, very little is known about the health, wellbeing and utilisation of health and social care services among the Nepali population in the UK. Therefore, this study set out to identify health and social care needs of Nepali community. The mixed-methods study was conducted with the Nepali population living in London. It consists of a semi-structured survey (N=345); three focus group discussions and three key informant interviews. The mean age of the participants was 40.6 (± 17.6). About 28% of our sample reported having chronic health problems. About 60% currently consume alcohol and 21% were smokers. Male participants (35%) were more likely to be physically active than females (21%). Registration with a family doctor/general practitioner (GP) was high (96%). However, uptake of disease screening was very low (28%). In the preceding year, 17% had experienced poor mental or emotional health. The findings suggest language is a key barrier to utilise health and social care among UK Nepali. We suggest removing the language barrier is essential step to improve access to available health and social care services. A culturally sensitive educational initiative creating awareness about the structure of UK health and social care services is required to offer to this community.