“Through Bhajan-Kirtan”: Toward Informing a Mental Health Intervention for Nepali Older Adults

OBJECTIVES Despite Nepali older adults reporting high levels of depressive symptoms, interventions have not been developed to support their mental health. This study examines what such interventions should include and the factors that attract or prevent participation. METHODS A survey was used to collect qualitative data from 280 older adults aged 60 to 95 years (M = 69.6, SD = 8.05). Three open-ended questions inquired about the content of such interventions, and the factors that attract or prevent participation. These were analyzed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS Interventions for Nepali older adults should address physical and mental health, social connection, leisure, and spirituality. They should be delivered in comfortable, inclusive, and supportive settings. Participants would be attracted by ease of access, perceived relevance, apolitical content, and peer influence. Factors that would prevent participation include hostile environments, perceived irrelevance or politicization, cultural mismatch, inaccessibility, and personal constraints. CONCLUSIONS When designing interventions targeting Nepali older adults, consideration needs to be given to the content of the intervention, how it is delivered, and the factors that attract or prevent participation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Nepali older adults need relational and cultural components in addition to specific foci to encourage their participation in mental health interventions.