School of Health Sciences and Social Work

Profile

Ever since I completed my first master’s degree in Bangladesh I have had a burning desire to do my doctorate in the UK. Moreover, I strongly believe earning a doctorate degree is one of the highest honours in one’s journey of academic progress; and my earning a doctorate degree from University of Portsmouth, UK can stimulate socio-economic development when I go back to Bangladesh.

I graduated from Middlesex University’s (London) School of Health and Social Sciences in June 2010 with an MA degree in Health and Social Care. Before I came to England for higher studies I finished my Honours (4 years) and Masters Degree in Sociology from Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. During my Masters degree at Middlesex University I did a Dissertation on “the problems of ageing for Bangladeshi families in London Borough of Croydon” and I became very interested about ageing and mental health issues of Bangladeshi families living in London. In the context of ageing problems for Bangladeshi families, during the last year of my degree I worked directly with local Bangladeshi communities in London Borough of Croydon where a small proportion of Bangladeshi people live.

In particular, that research demonstrated the problems of Bangladeshi older people living in London and provided evidence of social exclusion, and the ways in which social and cultural factors hampered equal access to, and participation in, social and health care provision. This has reinforced my interest in this topic, to which I intend to contribute and get involved as a researcher for a broader areas now for my PhD. Now for my future professional development I have started my PhD program at the University of Portsmouth to broaden my knowledge in analyzing and evaluating processes with theoretical postulates and to obtain more experience as a researcher.

Brief description of research

Ageing is an inevitable and irreversible process. Ageing is a complicated concept with biological, psychological, and sociological connotations. Therefore, one generation’s experience of history and of old age will be different from succeeding generations. In more traditional societies increasing age is accompanied by increasing prestige. For example, in Bangladesh, the oldest members of the family are treated with reverence and respect. Moreover, they hold a prominent position within the family and society based on their cultural values. Much prestige is afforded the person who qualified to be called “old man” in Bangladesh. However, such prestige and respect can be challenged when Bangladeshi ageing people with mental health problems live in a youth and work oriented society like Britain.

Objectives of the study

The main aims of the study are to examine a critical perspective on the development and provision of services to promote and maintain mental health and care for Bangladeshi ageing people with mental illness. This study is to identify what socio-economic, environmental, health and psychological problems older Bangladeshi with mental illness experience in later life and what members of the Bangladeshi community perceive to be the reasons for these difficulties in London. Last but not least is to develop a better understanding of perceptions and understandings of mental health within the Bangladeshi community and to explore the experience of those living with mental illness.