Trust, culture, and participation: understanding health promotion engagement among pakistani women
1
Philosophy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Trust, Culture, and Participation: Understanding Health Promotion Engagement Among Pakistani Women in Nottingham
BACKGROUND:
Persistent health inequalities among ethnic minority women in the UK highlight the urgent need to address barriers to participation in health promotion. Pakistani women, one of the largest and most disadvantaged minority groups, continue to experience limited engagement with preventive health initiatives. This study explores how trust—toward institutions, professionals, and information—shapes participation in health promotion among Pakistani women in Nottingham, and how culturally grounded approaches can rebuild this trust.
METHODS:
Guided by a constructivist epistemology and participatory health research principles, this qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups with Pakistani women aged 25–60 (n=24). Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework, supported by NVivo. Recruitment occurred through community networks to ensure diverse representation by age, education, and migration history.
RESULTS:
Four overarching themes emerged: (1) Fragile Trust in Systems – shaped by previous experiences of marginalisation and inadequate cultural understanding; (2) Health Information and Misinformation – reflecting conflicting sources and language barriers; (3) Faith, Family and Femininity – influencing health priorities and perceptions of responsibility; and (4) Bridging the Gap – highlighting how community-based, culturally tailored programmes foster trust and participation. Participants emphasised the value of relational approaches, shared lived experience, and trusted community advocates.
CONCLUSIONS:
Trust functions as both a barrier and a bridge to health promotion participation. Strengthening culturally competent and participatory models within public health practice is essential for inclusion and equity. This study contributes to global discussions on decolonising health promotion and underscores the importance of co-designing interventions with marginalised communities to achieve sustainable public health outcomes.
Trust, Culture, and Participation: Understanding Health Promotion Engagement Among Pakistani Women in Nottingham
BACKGROUND:
Persistent health inequalities among ethnic minority women in the UK highlight the urgent need to address barriers to participation in health promotion. Pakistani women, one of the largest and most disadvantaged minority groups, continue to experience limited engagement with preventive health initiatives. This study explores how trust—toward institutions, professionals, and information—shapes participation in health promotion among Pakistani women in Nottingham, and how culturally grounded approaches can rebuild this trust.
METHODS:
Guided by a constructivist epistemology and participatory health research principles, this qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups with Pakistani women aged 25–60 (n=24). Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework, supported by NVivo. Recruitment occurred through community networks to ensure diverse representation by age, education, and migration history.
RESULTS:
Four overarching themes emerged: (1) Fragile Trust in Systems – shaped by previous experiences of marginalisation and inadequate cultural understanding; (2) Health Information and Misinformation – reflecting conflicting sources and language barriers; (3) Faith, Family and Femininity – influencing health priorities and perceptions of responsibility; and (4) Bridging the Gap – highlighting how community-based, culturally tailored programmes foster trust and participation. Participants emphasised the value of relational approaches, shared lived experience, and trusted community advocates.
CONCLUSIONS:
Trust functions as both a barrier and a bridge to health promotion participation. Strengthening culturally competent and participatory models within public health practice is essential for inclusion and equity. This study contributes to global discussions on decolonising health promotion and underscores the importance of co-designing interventions with marginalised communities to achieve sustainable public health outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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