Cultural competency in peer-run programs: results of a web survey and implications for future practice.
OBJECTIVE
The study explored perceptions of adults with psychiatric disabilities regarding cultural competency of peer-run mental health support groups and programs.


METHODS
Web survey respondents were recruited via mental health list-servs, web sites, newsletters, emails, and word of mouth. A total of 527 peers were surveyed about cultural competency barriers facing peer-run programs; common reasons for not using peer services; and strategies to engage diverse communities.


RESULTS
Both multicultural and Caucasian respondents agreed that lack of funding and staff education about diversity were barriers to cultural competency in peer programs. Multicultural respondents were more likely than whites to feel that both the recognition of the need for and interest in attending cultural competency training is lacking in peer programs, as well as information about the diverse composition of peer program memberships. Among those who had never participated in peer support, people of color were more likely than whites to endorse feeling they would not belong and believing their languages would not be spoken in peer programs. Whites, on the other hand, were more likely to cite a preference for professional over peer support, while nearly half of both groups indicated that the main reason for non-attendance is a lack of knowledge about peer programs. Qualitative results highlighted successful outreach and engagement strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
Study findings informed development of a cultural competency tool that was pilot-tested among peer-run programs. Given the importance of peer support in recovery, these findings suggest the need for additional research on cultural competency in peer programs.
University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA. jonikas@psych.uic.edu
Jessica A
JA
Jonikas
Stephen
S
Kiosk
Dennis D
DD
Grey
Marie M
MM
Hamilton
James
J
McNulty
Judith A
JA
Cook
D000328:Adult; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States