Family Experiences of Living With Frontline Healthcare Workers During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom: Perspectives From the Black and Asian Community

TL;DR

This study explores the emotional and mental impacts on Black and Asian families of frontline healthcare workers during the UK's early pandemic period.

Contribution

It provides novel insights into the unique challenges faced by Black and Asian communities living with frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Findings

Household members experienced fear, vulnerability, and helplessness due to the risk of virus transmission.

Participants relied on faith and called for policy changes and support to reduce anxiety.

The study recommends educational seminars and platforms for HCWs to voice safety concerns.

Abstract

Black and Asian healthcare workers (HCWs) faced heightened COVID‐19 exposure early in the pandemic due to overrepresentation on the frontline compared to other ethnic groups. This study explored the experiences of Black and Asian household members in the United Kingdom living with these HCWs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, focussing on the impact of increased risks and challenges.

This study utilised one‐on‐one interviews with six HCWs’ household members. Participants were recruited through a snowballing sampling strategy. The study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore and interpret the meanings participants attributed to their experiences.

The findings highlighted emotional and mental impacts experienced by household members, linked to their ethnic background and living with HCWs. The research found that FMs feared contracting the virus from their HCWs, along with feelings of vulnerability, hopelessness and helplessness. While participants took precautions, they relied on faith and called for specific support, policy changes and reassurance to reduce anxiety.

This study underscores the importance of healthcare organisations addressing the concerns of HCWs from Black and Asian communities and their household members in future pandemics. It recommends establishing platforms within healthcare settings for these workers to voice safety and protection concerns. The study highlights the need for representative channels to listen to their issues and suggests educational seminars to help families manage fears and emotional distress. Ultimately, the research aims to guide policy changes and interventions that offer comprehensive support, ensuring HCWs and their household members are prepared to face health crises with resilience and well‐being.

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