Does ethnicity matter? Bereavement outcomes in two ethnic groups living in the United Kingdom

Sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists agree that grief is a universal phenomenon. Reactions to it are, however, socially constructed and patterned.

To compare the outcomes of bereavement among family or close friends of deceased first-generation black Caribbean and white native-born patients living in the United Kingdom.

Comparative cross-sectional questionnaire survey in three inner London health authorities administered 10 months after the patient's death.

Family and close friends of 50 deceased first-generation black Caribbean and 50 native-born white patients with advanced disease.

28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Core Bereavement Items scale, a 17-item measure of grief.

The intensity of grief, measured using the Core Bereavement Items was similar between the two groups. Seventy-two respondents had visited their family doctor subsequent to bereavement, and of these, black Caribbean respondents reported more psychological problems. Depression and anxiety measured by the GHQ-28 were significantly higher among black Caribbean respondents (28.00 vs. 21.2) (t-test = -2.28, p = 0.025). Multiple regression analysis revealed this difference was best accounted for by bereavement concerns such as legal and housing problems.

This study has observed higher psychological morbidity among the bereaved Caribbean individuals. Family doctors are a source of support for three-quarters of respondents, and they may need to focus on the needs of black and minority ethnic minorities.