Trust in older black, Asian and minority ethics persons with dementia and caregivers: The effects of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Members of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK have faced significant burden due to COVID-19. This population has had higher incidence rates of COVID-19, and also higher death rates. The pandemic has also disproportionately affected older adults, including those with dementia and as a result their caregivers. This study aims to explore culturally specific experiences of trust surrounding government policies, guidelines and services in BAME populations in the UK. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 11 caregivers and 7 older adults with dementia were performed as part of a wider study on BAME experiences under COVID-19. Participants were recruited from national registries, such as Join Dementia Research, social media and word-ofmouth. Data was then analysed using thematic analysis methods with a specific focus on experiences around trust in guidelines, services and policy. Results: The concept of trust featured heavily in respondent interviews. Trust was seen as both a personal and a wider community issue. When stratified by ethnicity (within BAME communities) and other demographic factors, differences in level of trust and perception of guidelines and policies were found between groups - such as how much trust was put into government messaging. Conclusions: This paper looks at groups highly vulnerable to COVID-19 and their experiences of health and social policy. It is clear that attention must be paid to differences between different groups' cultural norms and structures in formulating and providing health and social care interventions. A move away from 'one-size-fits-all' policies may improve both the experience of health and social care interventions and promote feelings of inclusion and trust towards providers.