Prof Naubahar Sharif
PhD in Science and Technology Studies
Head and Professor, Division of Public Policy
Professor, Division of Integrative Systems and Design
T his study is intended to reveal the unequal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of the elderly population (those aged 65 and above) in Hong Kong based on their ethnocultural backgrounds—ethnic minorities and ethnic Chinese. We closely study the variation in psychological impacts among the city’s three largest ethnic groups, namely Indians, Pakistanis, and Nepalis. Through the utilization of in-depth interviews and extensive surveys, our project facilitates an exploration into the degree to which the expression of these impacts varies among minority and majority (ethnic Chinese) groups. We are particularly interested in investigating the extent to which the manifestation of such impacts has been different depending on the minority and majority (ethnic Chinese) group, given the distinctive ethnocultural values (and to some extent, their socioeconomic status) adhered to by various communities within the elderly population. Secondarily, we also seek to investigate how distinctive mental health literacy and social support networks within these communities can mitigate some of the negative consequences of the pandemic on their mental health. Based on the insights we acquire from this study, we will also propose coping strategies for the elderly population that take into consideration multicultural perspectives for a more inclusive society in Hong Kong.