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Objective This study aimed to coproduce a culturally adaptive storytelling video intervention to support the psychosocial well-being of Nepalese migrant workers.Design A multimethods participatory study was conducted involving three different but interconnected phases: (1) formative research involving a systematic review, pilot survey and stakeholder consultations; (2) exploration and analysis of Nepalese literature relevant to contemporary migration; and (3) coproduction of a storytelling video intervention, using participatory workshops.Participants and settings Convenience sample of outgoing and returnee migrant workers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, their families and other relevant stakeholders in Dhading District of Bagmati Province, Nepal.Results The systematic review of 33 included studies identified five key health issues: mental health; occupational hazards; sexual health; healthcare access; and infectious diseases. In the survey (n=60), workers reported various health problems including fever/common cold (42%); mental health problems (25%); and verbal abuse (35%). Twenty interviewees identified issues related to physical health (eg, pneumonia, kidney disease) as well as mental health (eg, anxiety, depression). Nepalese literary resources primarily portrayed themes of: separation; hopelessness and helplessness; and poor workplace environments. Drawing on these findings and iterative workshops with stakeholders, a culturally sensitive storytelling video intervention was coproduced to support the psychosocial well-being of Nepalese migrant workers in GCC countries. The intervention used an animated video format with audio narration and subtitles, presenting a story centred around the struggles of an archetypal male migrant worker and their use of coping strategies for dealing with adversities.Conclusions This is a feasibility study conducted in a single district of Nepal; as such, the findings should be generalised cautiously. Despite these limitations, the project is testament to the value of participatory methods in the development of culturally sensitive public health interventions for marginalised groups, and points to the utility of coproduced storytelling formats in migrant health contexts. Future research is needed to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of the intervention as well as the outcomes and experiences of migrant workers who engaged with the video.

Objective This study aimed to identify the COVID-19 health information needs of older adults from ethnic minority groups in the UK.Study design A qualitative study using semistructured interviews.Setting and participants Indian and Nepalese older adults (≥65 years), their families (≥18 years) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (≥18 years) engaging with these communities. Participants were recruited between July and December 2020 from Kent, Surrey and Sussex through community organisations.Results 24 participants took part in the study; 13 older adults, 7 family members and 4 HCPs. Thirteen participants were female, and the majority (n=17) spoke a language other than English at home. Older participants mostly lived in multigenerational households, and family and community were key for providing support and communicating about healthcare needs. Participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 varied widely; some spoke confidently about the subject, while others had limited information. Language and illiteracy were key barriers to accessing health information. Participants highlighted the need for information in multiple formats and languages, and discussed the importance of culturally appropriate avenues, such as community centres and religious sites, for information dissemination.Conclusion This study, undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides insight into how health information can be optimised for ethnic minority older adults in terms of content, format and cultural relevance. The study highlights that health information interventions should recognise the intersection between multigenerational living, family structure, and the health and well-being of older adults, and should promote intergenerational discussion.

Objective This study aimed to explore the mental well-being of Syrian refugees and identify their coping mechanisms and pathways towards integration into new communities.Design Qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews.Setting and participants Adult Syrian refugees (>18 years old) currently residing in South East of England.Results 12 participants (3 women and 9 men) took part in the study, all were born in Syria and the majority (n=9) were over 45 years of age. Our findings show that Syrian refugees face constant challenges as they try to integrate into a new society. Loss of and separation from loved ones as well as the nostalgia for the homeland were often cited as a source of psychological distress that created an overwhelming sense of sadness. Participants reported that they struggled for connectedness due to cultural difference and the problematic nature of rapidly formed migrant communities in their new setting. They believed in ‘being their own doctor’ and turning to faith, ritual and nature for healing and comfort. Taboo and stigma around mental health and language barriers were cited as barriers to accessing mental healthcare services.Conclusion Past experiences and present challenges frame Syrian refugees’ sense of well-being, impact use of healthcare and risk future mental health problems. It is hoped that this study will act as a catalyst for further research on this vulnerable group to promote integration, community support and culturally sensitive mental health services.

Objective To summarise the evidence on health and well-being of Nepalese migrant workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia.Design Systematic review.Data sources EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Global Health databases.Eligibility criteria Studies were eligible if they: (1) included Nepalese migrant workers aged 18 or older working in the GCC countries or Malaysia or returnee migrant workers from these countries; (2) were primary studies that investigated health and well-being status/issues; and (3) were published in English language before 8 May 2020.Study appraisal All included studies were critically appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute study specific tools.Results A total of 33 studies were eligible for inclusion; 12 studies were conducted in Qatar, 8 in Malaysia, 9 in Nepal, 2 in Saudi Arabia and 1 each in UAE and Kuwait. In majority of the studies, there was a lack of disaggregated data on demographic characteristics of Nepalese migrant workers. Nearly half of the studies (n=16) scored as ‘high’ quality and the rest (n=17) as ‘moderate’ quality. Five key health and well-being related issues were identified in this population: (1) occupational hazards; (2) sexual health; (3) mental health; (4) healthcare access and (5) infectious diseases.Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive review of the health and well-being of Nepalese migrant workers in the GCC countries and Malaysia. This review highlights an urgent need to identify and implement policies and practices across Nepal and destination countries to protect the health and well-being of migrant workers.