Exploring Cultural and Social Influences on ADHD Medication Choices in Diverse Communities
Explore how cultural and social factors affect ADHD medication choices in ethnic minority communities. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to reveal barriers and support equitable care. Inform culturally sensitive ADHD treatment strategies.
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Project Description
Project Overview
This PhD will examine how cultural beliefs, social norms, and community contexts influence ADHD diagnosis and medication decisions among ethnic minority and socially marginalised families in England. The project will explore barriers such as stigma, distrust, and concerns about over-medicalisation and examine how these intersect with clinical decision-making.
What You Will Do
Employ a mixed-methods approach including qualitative interviews with parents, young people, clinicians, and community stakeholders to capture lived experiences. Conduct focus groups in community settings to explore shared narratives and collective influences on treatment choice. Incorporate survey methods or choice experiments to quantify preferences and analyze group variability. Integrate findings via triangulation.
Expected Outcomes
Produce evidence on how cultural and social factors shape ADHD medication uptake and adherence. Develop practical, evidence-based recommendations to improve trust, communication, and culturally informed care pathways tailored to diverse families.
Why This Matters
The research addresses persistent inequities in ADHD treatment by generating knowledge vital for personalised and equitable care. It aims to reduce health disparities by guiding clinicians and policymakers to implement culturally responsive approaches that facilitate informed choice and improved outcomes for ethnic minority groups.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr Muhammad Umair Khan focuses on the intersection of socioeconomic and cultural factors influencing ADHD medication use and adherence. His research employs mixed methods, including discrete choice experiments and qualitative studies, to understand treatment decision-making and enhance equitable care. He is recognized for systematic reviews on ADHD medication adherence and policy-relevant epidemiological research in England.