Exploration Of Factors Contributing to Poor Access to Mental Healthcare Among Ethnic Minorities: Qualitative Study

Exploration Of Factors Contributing to Poor Access to Mental Healthcare Among Ethnic Minorities: Qualitative Study

Poor access to mental healthcare remains a health concern. The low availability of mental health resources has been implicated in individual and community suffering. Kirkbride et al. (2024) noted that the health impacts of inadequately addressed mental health disorders have far-reaching effects on communities, as demonstrated by an increased need for hospitalizations, functional decline, and individual health deterioration. Poor access to mental healthcare also contributes to growing health disparities and escalating costs of healthcare (Kirkbride et al., 2024). In the resolve to optimize societal wellness and thriving, diminished consumption of mental healthcare and mental health resources continues to retard interventions targeted at promoting and preserving health (Ahad et al., 2023). Improving access to mental healthcare should thus be a priority for healthcare systems across the globe.

Many factors have been blamed for poor access to mental healthcare within the general population. This includes poor availability, poor affordability, low health literacy, and poor accessibility of mental healthcare services and mental health resources (Coombs et al., 2021). Poor availability often stems from the scarcity of mental healthcare services (Coombs et al., 2021). Likewise, low acceptability has sometimes been linked with poor perception of mental health disorders and the ability of conventional medicine to address them effectively (Fischer et al., 2024). Low health literacy remains a causal factor for the lack of understanding of what mental health disorders are (Shahid et al., 2022). Collectively, these factors lead to low consumption of mental health resources and have a negative effect on the health and wellness of individuals and their communities.

Diminished access to high-quality mental healthcare remains evident across societies. However, ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected (Thomeer et al., 2022). This compounds the traditional health challenges persisting within these groups (Thomeer et al., 2022). As quality and safety improvement campaigns in healthcare heighten, prioritizing mental healthcare expansion in ethnic minorities remains key. This paper details mental healthcare, focusing on its significance in individual thriving. It also explores the particular factors that interplay in poor access to mental healthcare and the need to address poor access to mental healthcare among ethnic minorities.

Background of the Problem

Mental health disorders are a group of health conditions that affect behavior, mood, and emotional regulation (Thomeer et al., 2022). The impact of mental health disorders on individual and community wellness makes them a global health concern (Zhang et al., 2025). Mental health disorders have been implicated in individual suffering, high cost of healthcare, morbidity, and mortality. The global prevalence of mental health disorders is estimated to be over 970 million (Zhang et al., 2025). Mental health disorders have a notable imprint on American society. Over 49,000 deaths were attributed to suicide in 2022 (Zhang et al., 2025). Likewise, the burden of mental health disorders is an upward trend. The CDC estimates that one in every five American adults has a diagnosable psychiatric illness (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). With the number expected to rise in the coming decade, American societies are staring at another widespread healthcare shock (Zhang et al., 2025).

Comprehensive management of mental health disorders has traditionally focused on creating awareness, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of diagnosed mental health disorders. While these efforts have been effective in reducing suffering associated with psychiatric illnesses, they have not been sufficient in curtailing this health menace. Mental health disorders still present significant challenges to healthcare systems across the globe. Also, many people are still unable to meet their mental healthcare needs. Further, Muhorakeye and Biracyaza (2021) noted that many people worldwide still contend with poor access to mental healthcare and mental health resources. Regardless of the cause, poor access to mental healthcare has a profound negative impact on the health and wellness of individuals and communities. Snowden et al. (2022) reported that poor access to mental healthcare undermines global efforts toward health promotion and preservation.

Reasons for Poor Access to High-Quality Mental Healthcare

Poor access to high-quality mental healthcare has been blamed on several factors. Some of these are poor acceptability, poor affordability, and poor availability of mental healthcare resources (Coombs et al., 2021). Foremost, poor acceptability of the available mental healthcare resources contributes to poor access to high-quality mental healthcare  (Fischer et al., 2024). This is especially common where communities have different beliefs on various aspects of health, such as the use of Westernized medicines. Poor acceptability of mental health resources may also be the case where a community has a different perception and beliefs on mental health disorders  (Udupa et al., 2023). In such instances, the uptake of the available mental health resources remains low despite their availability. Fischer et al. (2024) noted that there is a generally poor consumption of mental health resources in cultures that do not view mental health disorders as actual diseases. Mental health disorders are usually associated with other factors, such as witchcraft, in such cultures. Consequently, alternative management approaches are preferred in these societies (Udupa et al., 2023). This considerably lowers access to high-quality mental healthcare.

Poor access to mental healthcare has also been associated with its high costs. Managing mental health disorders may sometimes be expensive (Gao & Olfson, 2025). The high cost of mental healthcare is especially a concern in resource-limited settings and impoverished communities. Muhorakeye and Biracyaza (2021) noted that the high cost of managing mental health disorders makes them expensive for many people. This is usually compounded by traditional problems, such as lack of insurance, making mental healthcare services out of reach for those from low-income communities (Gao & Olfson, 2025). The high cost of mental healthcare further explains why it is inaccessible to some.

Low health literacy also results in poor access to mental healthcare. Ilozumba et al. (2022) noted that low health literacy contributes to a poor perception of mental health disorders. People with little knowledge of mental health are also unlikely to consume the available mental health resources (Shahid et al., 2022). Low health literacy has also been associated with poor health-seeking behavior for mental health disorders, further compounding the effects of mental health disorders (Ilozumba et al., 2022). Addressing low health literacy, as a contributory factor for poor access to mental health disorders, is thus key.

Poor availability of mental healthcare services among U.S. adults also contributes to poor access. This is usually the case where the volume of service is incommensurate to the populations served (Udupa et al., 2023). Poor availability of mental healthcare services is especially concerning in resource-limited settings, where mental healthcare infrastructure is inadequate (Muhorakeye & Biracyaza, 2021). Poor availability of mental healthcare services may also be attributed to remote geographical locations and proximity to the available care centers. This is the case in rural areas, as people living in such areas are sometimes unable to access these care facilities easily, denying them an opportunity to consume the existing mental health resources (Udupa et al., 2023). Prioritizing mental healthcare is thus important.

Access to Mental Healthcare across Minorities

Poor access to mental healthcare persists in many communities. However, ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by these illnesses. The impact of these diseases is also greater within these groups (Snowden et al., 2022). As the prevalence of mental health disorders increases, the unmet mental health needs also rise. This compounds the healthcare problem within the communities (Ilozumba et al., 2022).

Poor access to mental healthcare and mental health resources has a profound negative impact on the health of individuals from ethnic minority groups. Ilozumba et al. (2022) reported that poor access to mental healthcare leads to inadequate control of mental health disorders. This often translates into the exacerbation of the disease and declining functionalities. Subsequently, the health of the affected persons deteriorates, and death becomes apparent (Ilozumba et al., 2022). Therefore, managing mental health disorders adequately is important.

Poor access to mental healthcare and health resources may also worsen health disparities. Health disparities are one of the challenges traditionally observed among ethnic minority groups. Cortina and Hardin (2023) noted that ethnic minority groups are more affected by mental health disorders. Factors such as stigma, high cost of care, and poor accessibility of mental healthcare centers compound the negative consequences on the mental health of ethnic minorities. This is because these groups are already burdened with economic hardships and other physical health problems that generally impact their wellness (Thomeer et al., 2022). The economic hardships often render these communities unable to access available mental health resources (Marbin et al., 2022). Stigmatization of mental health disorders also persists in ethnic minorities. In turn, this diminishes the health-seeking behavior of individuals and communities and further reinforces the need to manage mental health disorders in ethnic minorities.

Moreover, mental health disorders have a profound impact on ethnic minority groups. They result in significant suffering and increased morbidity and mortality. Snowden et al. (2022) pointed to the need to address poor access to mental healthcare across ethnic minority groups. Poor access to mental healthcare also affects many Americans, as upto 54.7% of American adults do not receive the mental healthcare services that they need (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). To comprehensively curtail mental health disorders among ethnic minorities, the contributing factors must be identified. Stannard (2021) reported that elucidating the factors informing the problem allows prompt mitigation of the clinical problem. Determining the factors that interplay in poor access to mental healthcare is thus crucial(National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). However, gaps still exist in the specific factors that cause poor access to mental healthcare (Ahad et al., 2023). For quality improvement in mental healthcare, understanding individual factors contributing to poor access to mental healthcare is necessitated.

Problem Statement

Mental health remains integral to individual and community thriving. It affects interpersonal interactions and may influence social wellness and how individuals adopt health promotion interventions (Cortina & Hardin, 2023). As healthcare systems tend toward value-based approaches and high-quality care, the need for better mental healthcare increases (Cortina & Hardin, 2023). This has been the case across the globe. While this has had a positive impact on the state of mental healthcare in many jurisdictions, some areas still lag in their pursuit of accessible mental healthcare. According to Snowden et al. (2022), many people still struggle to meet their mental healthcare needs. This can be attributable to mental healthcare being inaccessible, expensive, and unacceptable to some. While poor access to mental healthcare cuts across all communities, the problem is particularly worse in ethnic minority groups. Muhorakeye and Biracyaza (2021) noted that ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by poor access to mental healthcare than other communities. The long-standing health disparities witnessed in these communities further compound the problem. There is a consensus on the need to address mental health disorders among ethnic minorities. Stannard (2021) noted that identifying the factors that contribute to suffering associated with mental health disorders remains key in the fight against these illnesses. The problem is that factors contributing to poor access to mental healthcare and mental healthcare resources among ethnic minority groups, resulting in decreased consumption of mental healthcare resources and increased morbidity, mortality, and functional decline, have not been explored and thereby not adequately addressed (Snowden et al., 2022).

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this qualitative study, integrating the case study design, is to explore the factors contributing to poor access to mental healthcare among ethnic minority groups and highlight potential measures to address them as perceived by the population. Qualitative methodology involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data. Bazen et al. (2021) noted that qualitative methodologies explain the why behind a phenomenon and are better positioned where an understanding of human experiences is necessary. This method utilizes data collection tools, such as observations, surveys, and interviews, to obtain information from the participants.

Population and Sample

The study will draw 15 participants. The participants must be from an ethnic minority group. The sample size was selected because of its feasibility and attainability. While the number of persons involved in the study seems to be relatively low, qualitative designs facilitate the understanding of the lived experiences of people in their natural settings. This can allow the researcher to develop meaningful insight into the phenomenon being studied, even with smaller sample sizes. Each participant will be subjected to semi-structured interviews, investigating their perception of the available mental health resources and mental healthcare, and potential barriers to accessing high-quality mental healthcare.

Significance of the Study

Poor access to mental healthcare and mental health resources remains a healthcare concern. In the wake of poor access to mental healthcare, mental health disorders and the associated suffering persists. This compounds the health and healthcare challenges seen in ethnic minority populations. A reflection of the proposed research study through the lens of the SPL model reveals that the study is likely to be significant for the scholarly community. This is because it builds on the knowledge base on mental healthcare. Likewise, findings are likely to reinforce the scholarly positions on the factors contributing to poor access to mental healthcare. They may also expand scholar’s knowledge on aspects of mental wellness, informing possible address measures.

Nature of the Study

The goal of the study is to elucidate factors that contribute to diminished access to high-quality mental healthcare and mental health resources among ethnic minority groups. Findings from the study will contribute to the growing knowledge of mental health. It will also inform individual factors that interplay in mental health disorders and associated suffering. Results and recommendations from the study may also provide insight into possible measures to curtail poor access to mental healthcare among ethnic minorities. As Stannard (2021) reported, identifying the factors contributing to diminished access to mental healthcare allows the elucidation of possible measures to take to address the problem.

The study will be conducted in a community in Akron, OH. The community was selected as it is predominantly populated with ethnic minority groups, of which African Americans form the majority. Likewise, it is easily accessible, reducing the logistical cost that would have otherwise been incurred if other geographical locations had been explored. The study will draw 15 participants. The participants must be from an ethnic minority group.

The goals of the study will be achieved when the factors contributing to diminished access to mental healthcare are established. In this case, data will be collected from the participants. Information obtained will then be analyzed to elucidate the exact factors that contribute to diminished access to high-quality mental healthcare. The goals will be said to be achieved if the researcher is able to identify and list the factors that contribute to poor access to mental healthcare among the ethnic minority groups in Akron, OH.

The research will integrate the case study design. Case studies are a form of qualitative methodology that allows the investigator to have a deeper understanding of a specific phenomenon (Priya, 2020). It allows the researcher to scrutinize a population and gather insight into processes, events, or people in their natural setting. The design is better suited for the study as it allows multiple avenues of collecting data. As Priya (2020) reported, observation, interviews, and surveys are the major sources of data used in case studies. In this case, the case study design allows the researcher to have an in-depth understanding of factors that interplay in the suffering of ethnic minority groups. In mental healthcare, case studies allow the investigators to investigate and gather insight into factors contributing to diminished access to mental healthcare among ethnic minorities. Likewise, by allowing multiple sources of data collection, the design facilitates the interrogation of inter- and intra-personal factors contributing to their poor consumption of mental health resources.

Case studies also play a role when investigating mental healthcare. Yang et al. (2024) noted that the case study research designs, unlike other qualitative methods, remain aligned with the principles of contemporary mental healthcare. This is because all levels of mental healthcare often tend toward person-centeredness. This means that understanding the factors that interplay in the consumption of mental health resources requires a comprehensive understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal influences on health and healthcare seeking. In research activities centered on mental healthcare, the case study research design is uniquely positioned to highlight apparent issues and gain insight into individuals’ experiences and perceptions. It also gives voice to the silent voices within the societies, enabling a far-reaching recognition of its significance in health and wellness and the identification of unresolved concerns. This further makes case studies more appropriate for this research.

Research Questions/Hypotheses

The research questions that will be utilized in the proposed research are:

R1: What are the factors contributing to poor access to mental healthcare among ethnic minority groups?

R2: What are the perceptions of ethnic minority groups on the available mental health resources?

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework

(One or the other—delete either theoretical or conceptual from the heading)

The framework should place the study in perspective among existing theories or conceptual models and provide a framework related to the research topic. The discussion should reflect the broad theoretical area under which the research falls and reflect familiarity with germinal and current theories in the field. Remember that a theoretical framework is typically used for a quantitative study to model the theoretical relationships between the variables; a conceptual framework is typically used for a qualitative study and consists of several theories that underpin the topic. The framework should only introduce readers to the relevant theories; this discussion will be expanded in Chapter 2.

Definition of Terms

This section is only required if any operational terms or words are used in a unique way in this study. Any definitions must be supported with citations and formatted in italics, indented, followed by a colon.

Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations

State any assumptions that you will be using as a basis for your study. Limitations are issues that the researcher cannot control. In contrast, delimitations define how you are choosing to control or scope your research. Also mention generalizability of the study findings. Note that qualitative studies are not generalizable to the population.

Chapter Summary

The discussion should summarize key points presented in Chapter 1. Information should be presented in a discussion context. Supporting citations should be provided for key points. The chapter summary should end with a transition to next chapter such as “Chapter 2 will…” or “In Chapter 2…”.

Chapter 2

Literature Review

Begin with an introduction with no section heading. Remind the reader of the study topics and the foundational theories that drove the review of the literature.

Title Searches and Documentation

Describe the approach that you used to search for relevant documentation including key words used to search for publications. You can opt to include a table in this section to describe the numbers of journals, books, or other sources used for your various topics.

Historical Content

Generally, historical content is defined as over 5 years old. Include subsections for each of the various topics related to your study. The topic subsections should be presented in order from the broadest topic to the narrowest topic. Include both germinal content and content that is considered historical based on its publication date. It is crucial that you do not develop your literature review as merely a series of annotated bibliographies that discuss one source after another. It is crucial to synthesize the sources by comparing and contrasting the various perspectives on each topic. Include subheadings to delineate between various historical content topics.

Current Content

Generally, current content is less than 5 years old. Include the same subsections that you used in the historical content unless there is no current literature for a specific topic. Here again it is important to synthesize the sources—compare and contrast the various perspectives on each topic. It is important to describe all perspectives of each research topic including any controversial literature rather than presenting only literature that supports your own perspective in order to create credibility. Include subheadings to delineate between various current content topics.

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Literature

(One or the other; must reflect the type of framework used in Chapter 1)

 The framework in Chapter 1 should only have introduced readers to the relevant theories. This section should include subsections for each of the relevant theories and discuss supporting germinal and current literature on those theories.

Methodology Literature

Describe the various studies that have been accomplished within your topic area. Focus on the methodologies that have been used in research and on the findings of those studies. Key objectives are to address what has already been accomplished in previous research and to support that your methodology will add to the body of knowledge.

Research Design Literature

In Chapter 1 you briefly described your selected research design. This section should expand on that discussion and include support from several design methodologists, including the germinal methodologists associated with the design.

Conclusions

It is important to recognize that this section is not the chapter “conclusion”; it is “conclusions”, meaning what did you conclude from the literature? Focus on what you derived from the literature you reviewed, and remember to cite each assertion.

Chapter Summary

The discussion should summarize key points presented in Chapter 2. Information should be presented in a discussion context. Supporting citations should be provided for key points. The chapter summary should end with a transition to next chapter such as “Chapter 3 will…” or “In Chapter 3…”.

Please note that Chapter 2 should be expanded to 30 to 50 pages prior to submitting the complete proposal for review.

Chapter 3

Research Methodology

No heading for the introduction. Remind the reader of the purpose and objectives of the study. Introduce the contents of the chapter.

Research Method and Design Appropriateness

            Expand on the Chapter 1 discussion by supporting selection of the research method and design. Provide a detailed overview discussion of the research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) and the appropriateness of the method for addressing the purpose of the study. Additionally, include a detailed description of why your proposal research design is more appropriate than two or three other possible research designs within the selected method.

Research Questions/Hypotheses

(Only include “hypotheses” in the heading if applicable)

This section should reiterate the research questions and any hypotheses introduced in Chapter 1.

Population and Sample

            Discuss the population for the proposed study, defined as the pool of potential participants for the study. If the study will include a stratified sample discuss the various population groups to be included. Follow the population discussion with a description of the sample size and how the sample size was established. For stratified samples discuss the sample size to be obtained from each population group. For studies that will not include primary data use an alternate heading such as “Data Sources” and discuss the proposed sources of the study data, such as archival data. Ensure that you collect demographic data from the participants, including any data relevant to the study topic such as organizational position and experience in years, to include in Chapter 4.

Informed Consent and Confidentiality

            Discuss how you will obtain informed consent from any participants and describe any signed permissions already obtained including Permissions to Use Premises, Permission to Use Data, Permission to Use Survey, and so forth. Describe how any confidential data will be stored and later destroyed. Refer to appendices such as the Informed Consent Form; for example, “See Appendix A for the Informed Consent Form”.

Instrumentation

Describe any instrumentation to be used to collect primary data such as qualitative questionnaires, interview protocols, or surveys. It is important to include a table to indicate how the instrumentation items, defined as interview questions or survey questions, align to the research questions or hypotheses. Refer to appendices such as the instrumentation.

Table 4:
Research Question and Interview Question Alignment

Research Questions	Interview Questions (qualitative)  or  Measurement explanation (quantitative)
R1.		1.      . 2.      . 3.      . 4.      . 5.      . 6.      . 7.      . 8.      (8-12 questions per RQ)

 

Field Test or Pilot Study

Qualitative studies require a field test on original narrative data collection instruments. Note that field tests must be conducted prior to proposal approval; therefore, the field test and its results must be described here in Chapter 3. Original quantitative instruments require use of a pilot study to produce validity and reliability data; however, pilot studies cannot be conducted prior to proposal and IRB approval. Therefore, the plan to use a pilot study should be described in Chapter 3, and the results should be discussed in Chapter 4. Mixed-method studies may require both a field test and a pilot test.This section should be updated following completion of the field test or pilot study to outline any changes made to the instrument or study.

Credibility and Transferability or Validity and Reliability

            For qualitative studies, include a section on credibility and transferability or trustworthiness to discuss how these attributes will be accomplished within the study. Include any relevant discussion regarding how the various sources will be triangulated. For quantitative studies, include a section on validity and reliability. Quantitative instruments that are commercially produced or have been published should have validity and reliability data available. Original quantitative instruments will require use of a pilot study following IRB approval to produce validity and reliability data. Mixed-method studies often require discussion of both credibility and transferability, and validity and reliability.

Data Collection

            This section must include a complete description of the processes to be used to collect any primary or secondary data. Include discussion of how any participants will be recruited for participation and describe any permissions required to collect these data. If data will be collected in phases, such as during a Delphi study with two or more rounds, a case study with multiple sources of data, a study with a stratified sample, a quantitative study with more than one survey instrument, or a mixed-method study, describe each phase of data collection process clearly.

Data Analysis

Data analysis section must include a detailed description of the processes or statistical techniques to be used for analysis of any primary or secondary data. Proposed data analyses techniques must clear and appropriate to the research design and a sufficient level of detail must be provided. Qualitative analysis steps must be described and must align with the selected design, such as the constant comparative approach for a grounded theory study and a modified van Kaam process or Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen process for phenomenology. When applicable, quantitative data analysis discussion must include information on the statistical tests to be performed, Alpha levels for hypotheses testing, and whether the testing will be one-tailed or two-tailed.

Chapter Summary

The discussion should summarize key points presented in Chapter 3. Information should be presented in a discussion context. Supporting citations should be provided for key points. Although Chapter 4 is not submitted as part of the proposal the chapter summary should end with a transition to next chapter such as “Chapter 4 will…” or “In Chapter 4…”.

 Chapter 4

Analysis and Results

No heading for the introduction. Remind the reader of the purpose and objectives of the study. Introduce the contents of the chapter. Keep in mind that Chapter 4 should solely describe the analysis process and the study results; therefore, no citations should be included in this chapter.

Research Questions/Hypotheses

(Only include “hypotheses” in the heading if applicable)

This section should reiterate the research questions and any hypotheses. Ensure consistency in the wording with previous chapters.

Data Collection

            Provide a detailed discussion of the informed consent and data collection process used. Additionally, if the actual data collection process differs from the proposed process as described in Chapters 1 and 3 revise those chapters to reflect the actual process used. Note that if data collection is performed in multiple phases, such as in a Delphi technique or a mixed-method study, Chapter 4 should include subsections for each of these data collection and data analysis phases.

Demographics

            Describe the study participants by stating information such as gender, age range, ethnicity, region, occupation, years of experience, or other relevant demographics. To avoid confidentiality issues, collect and report age in ranges such as 20 to 30, 30 to 40, and so forth. Include the demographic information as text, tables, or a combination or text and tables. However, report the demographics individually without linking the demographic data together or to a participant. For example, the reader should not be able to determine that Participant 1 was an Asian female teacher in her 30s who lives in the North West region since this information may compromise confidentiality. For studies that did not include primary data use an alternate heading such as “Data Sources” and discuss the sources of the study data.

Pilot Study

(Include this section only for original quantitative instruments)

Original quantitative instruments require use of a pilot study to produce validity and reliability data. For any research that included a pilot study report the results in this section.

Data Analysis

Data analysis section must include a detailed description of the processes or statistical techniques used for analysis of any primary or secondary data. If the actual data analysis process was altered from the proposed process revise Chapters 1 and 3 to reflect the procedures actually used. The description of data analysis steps should include a level of detail that would allow a competent researcher to reproduce your analysis.

For narrative data analyze these data individually for each research question rather than for each interview or questionnaire question. Similar to data collection, if the analysis is performed in multiple phases, such as in a Delphi technique or a mixed-method study, Chapter 4 should include subsections for each of these data analysis phases.

Results

Effective reporting of the results is extremely important. For qualitative data the results are typically reported as narratives, stories, themes, etc., each of which should convey to the corresponding research question. Each theme should be reported in a separate sub-section and should be numbered such as Theme 1, Theme 2, and so forth. Typically, the number of major themes for a qualitative study are three to eight. Consider that each theme will need to be compared and contrasted against existing literature in Chapter 5, so exceeding eight themes is not recommended.

Themes should be phrases or short complete sentences that reflect the objective of the study and tie back to its corresponding research question. For example, a theme of “Communication” is too vague to be effective, whereas “Insufficient communication from administration” or “Insufficient communication from administration was a barrier to effective teaching strategies” conveys a much clearer context. Each theme should be described in paragraph form and must be supported by example narrative, such as three to five examples of brief participant quotes. Identify the participants using their code, for example “P3 stated ‘If we could only get clear direction from the principal it would make our jobs so much easier’”.

For quantitative data, include the analysis tables and describe the results of the analysis. Include a sub-section for each research question and reiterate the associated hypotheses. Discuss the meaning of the results in terms of supporting or not supporting the null hypotheses, and clearly describe the meaning ascribed to those results.

Regardless of the research method, include any outlier data. Do not compare the results to literature in Chapter 4; save this information for Chapter 5.

Chapter Summary

The discussion should summarize the chapter and reiterate the results and any emergent themes presented in Chapter 4. The chapter summary should end with a transition to Chapter 5.

 Chapter 5

Conclusions and Recommendations

No heading for the introduction. Remind the reader of the purpose and objectives of the study. Introduce the contents of the chapter.

Research Questions/Hypotheses

(Only include “hypotheses” in the heading if applicable)

This section should reiterate the research questions and any hypotheses. Ensure consistency in the wording with previous chapters.

Discussion of Findings

The objective of this section is to compare and contrast the study results to existing literature. For qualitative and mixed-method studies with resultant themes, this section must include sub-sections for each theme. For quantitative and mixed-method studies with hypotheses, this section must include sub-sections for the results of each set of hypotheses. Compare or contrast each result to three to five published sources. Revisit the conceptual/theoretical framework to explain how the completed study supported or refuted the framework discussed in Chapter 2. Note once you have established the study results you may need to slightly expand the Chapter 2 literature review to include relevant information or information that has been recently published.

Limitations

In contrast to the limitations discussed in Chapter 1, the Chapter 5 limitations section should focus solely on unforeseen limitations that were revealed while conducting the study. Remember that limitations are out of the control of the researcher.

Recommendations to Leaders and Practitioners

            Keep in mind that the entire study culminates in this section so consider this discussion carefully. Based on the research questions and the results, convey how leaders and practitioners might mitigate the problem underlying the study. Consider including a recommendation for each of the results.

Be very specific in the recommendations and consider ending the section with a table to reiterate the recommendations for each of the results. Additionally, ensure that the recommendations are detailed and align with the research design, each research question, and any emergent themes. For grounded theory studies include a theory or a theoretical model, and for action research clearly describe the recommended actions for leaders and practitioners to pursue. Whenever appropriate include a model in this section. Remember that the goal of a practitioner doctorate is to improve your field of practice, which is accomplished through your recommendations.

Recommendations for Future Research

            When completing this section consider how you might have accomplished the study differently. Also consider what you have uncovered as they relate to your results, themes, and research questions that might be further explored through additional research. Include three or four specific recommendations for further study and include recommended methodologies.

Chapter Summary

Summarize only Chapter 5 rather than the entire dissertation. Reiterate each of the study objectives and research questions and state the study findings along with emergent themes (if applicable). End with a strong cogent statement that conveys what the study has contributed to the body of knowledge.

A researcher reflection section can also be included in Chapter 5, and this section can be written in first-person language.

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Marbin, D., Gutwinski, S., Schreiter, S., & Heinz, A. (2022). Perspectives in poverty and mental health. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.975482

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Exploration Of Factors Contributing to Poor Access to Mental Healthcare Among Ethnic Minorities: Qualitative Study

For this assignment, you will continue to develop your problem, purpose, and research question(s) on the template provided in week 1. This is a continuation of week 1’s template so add on it week 2 until the end of the course. These 3 factors are central to the alignment of your study. Be sure to review the feedback from your URM to continue to develop your alignment for in-class submission to your Chair this week. Remember that your problem, purpose and research question(s) must also be in alignment with your DHA degree program.

Format for the problem statement:

This section must clearly identify the problem. There is a specific format for the one-sentence problem; that is:

“The problem is [state the problem], resulting in [state the consequences of the problem] (citation that supports the problem).”

The problem statement is one paragraph that summarizes the information from the Background of the Problem section, with citations. There is no new information in this section. Additionally, the problem must be in a format that is consistent with your research design – see that section of the Dissertation Handbook and modify the problem accordingly. This section is typically brief at less than one page in length.

Format for the purpose:

The purpose section should concisely explain the purpose and the focus of your study.

· Begin this section with the purpose of the research, using this format: The purpose of this [research method, research design] study is to [action verb: explore, examine, identify, describe, explain] … [the purpose of the research].’

· Describe the research method (qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods).

· Describe the research design.

· State the goal of the research.

· Identify the geographic location of the study

· Briefly describe the means through which the goals of your study will be achieved.

· For a quantitative or mixed methods study, include the study variables and instruments used to collect the data.

· For a qualitative study, identify the study phenomena and describe the method to be used to collect the data.

· When conducting a case study, which requires multiple sources of data, ensure that those multiple sources are identified.

· For a case study, identify the case for the study.

· Review the Purpose Statement format associated with your selected design in the Dissertation Handbook to ensure that the purpose aligns with your research design.

· This section is typically brief at less than one page in length.

Format for the research question(s):

The Research Questions/Hypotheses section has the research questions and hypotheses (if qualitative) only.

You must have a minimum of 2 research questions.
If your study uses the qualitative research method, you will have research questions only.
If your study uses a quantitative research method, you will have research questions and hypotheses. Each research question will have 2 accompanying hypotheses – the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis.
Number the questions such as RQ1, RQ2, and so forth.
DHA dissertations typically have 2 to 4 research questions, depending on your topic. Take care in writing your research questions to be certain that the words reflect the purpose of the research.
The format for the research questions must be consistent with the research method and design you are using for your study. Review the CDS Dissertation Guide Research Questions/Hypotheses section associated with your selected design for specific information.

Review the following website:

Qualitative Purpose Statement, Design Selection, and Research Question Development – https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202124647

Review the following Alignment video:

Review the following Alignment of the research topic to the degree program video:

https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202117859

Review the following components of the “Doctoral Phase 2 – Precis” section of the CDS Dissertation Guide on CDS Central:

Problem Statement
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions/Hypotheses

Develop and write your Problem Statement, Purpose of the Study, and Research Questions/Hypotheses sections.

Adhere to the template found in “Doctoral Phase 2 – Precis” of the CDS Dissertation Guide.

Combined, these sections should be 3-4 pages long. You may use previous coursework and/or the following worksheets when developing your dissertation phase deliverables.

Problem Statement Worksheet
Purpose Statement Worksheet

Be sure to support all aspects with peer-reviewed literature and include APA formatted references.

Format your paper according to APA guidelines.