The Inspirited Minds Adapted Intervention: Feasibility Study of a Faith-Based Culturally Adapted Intervention to Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing in Young Muslim Women

Why was the research needed?

Mental ill-health among young people is increasing, with young women significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression than young men. Mental health also affects people from minority ethnic backgrounds differently. Research suggests that Muslim communities may experience higher levels of long-term depression, yet British Muslims are less likely to access mental health services. This can be due to factors such as stigma, barriers to access, and a lack of culturally appropriate support. Many existing services do not fully reflect the cultural and religious needs of Muslim women, which can make it harder to seek help or stay engaged with support. There is limited research on mental health programmes that are adapted to Islamic beliefs and cultural experiences. 

What did we do?

This study aimed to understand whether a faith-based approach was acceptable and feasible, and how services could better support young Muslim women. We achieved this by inviting 60 Muslim women aged 18 - 24 with low mood or depression to take part in this study, where they were randomly assigned to either a faith‑based group programme reflecting Muslim values and culture or a standard psychoeducational mental health group. Each participant attended one 90‑minute weekly session for 6 weeks, with up to 10 people per group, and was involved in the study for a total of 6 months. They completed questionnaires before the programme began, after the 6‑week sessions ended, and again 24 weeks after joining, covering topics such as mood, anxiety, wellbeing, quality of life, religious coping, and service use. Additionally, some participants and staff were invited to take part in a one‑off interview or focus group to share their experiences.

What did we find? 

The study achieved its main aim of assessing whether a larger trial of IM-Adapted could be carried out. Findings were mixed. The faith-based, culturally adapted intervention could be delivered in community settings, was generally well received, and was delivered broadly as intended. Participants and staff valued the group format, peer support and safe space created for young Muslim women with shared experiences. Many participants found the Islamic content particularly meaningful, helping them reflect on their mental health and wellbeing. No serious or intervention-related adverse events were reported.

However, the current trial design was not suitable for a larger effectiveness study. Although 218 young women were referred, only 39 were recruited and randomised, with 54% remaining in the study at the first follow-up and 44% at the final follow-up. This suggests that a future trial using the same approach would be unlikely to recruit and retain enough participants to provide reliable evidence of effectiveness. Importantly, this does not mean the intervention was ineffective, as the study was not designed to test effectiveness. Instead, it highlighted recruitment and retention as the main challenges that need to be addressed before a larger trial is considered. Among participants who remained involved, data completion was high and the questionnaires worked well.

The study also provided valuable learning about involving young Muslim women in research. The Young Women’s Advisory Group and public co-applicant helped shape recruitment materials, data collection tools, intervention content, evaluation and dissemination. Their contributions helped the research team better understand cultural, religious and practical issues, while group members reported gaining confidence, skills, peer connections and a sense of contributing to meaningful change.

How did we work with communities, services and organisations?

We worked in close partnership with communities, services and organisations to ensure the IM-Adapted study was relevant, inclusive and grounded in lived experience. Public involvement was embedded throughout the study, with a dedicated working group and the Young Women’s Advisory Group (YWAG) shaping key aspects of the research, including recruitment approaches, study materials and evaluation.

We actively engaged with Muslim communities through outreach with community groups, Islamic societies and organisations, as well as through events, social media, regular updates and blogs to raise awareness and support recruitment.

Our approach was reflective and inclusive, with ongoing feedback and evaluation built into the project. Community partners and YWAG members contributed to analysis and dissemination, helping to ensure the study remained community-informed and that findings were shared in meaningful and accessible ways.

What will the impact and benefits of this research be? 

The study provides valuable learning for researchers about designing and evaluating culturally and faith-adapted mental health support for an underserved population. It showed that IM-Adapted could be delivered as intended, that high-quality questionnaire and health-economic data could be collected from participants who remained involved, and that acceptability could be explored through interviews, focus groups and observations. It also highlighted important limitations, particularly the need for improved recruitment and retention strategies before a larger effectiveness trial is considered. These findings provide a stronger foundation for future research, including broader referral pathways and more realistic trial design.

The research also demonstrated the value of involving young Muslim women throughout the research process. The findings suggest that meaningful involvement depends on trusted relationships, adequate resources, flexibility, psychological safety and clear feedback on how contributions influence decisions. This learning can support more inclusive public involvement across health research. The findings also highlight the importance of incorporating faith, culture and identity into mental health interventions and working with trusted community organisations to improve engagement.

For practitioners and service providers, the study offers insight into how mental health support for young Muslim women can be made more relevant and acceptable. Participants valued the group format, shared identity and safe space, while the inclusion of Islamic content helped some women engage with mental health and wellbeing in ways that aligned with their beliefs. This highlights the importance of considering faith, culture and identity alongside established psychological approaches.

The study also identified practical lessons for improving engagement. While online promotion can reach large numbers, trusted community organisations and leaders may be more effective in building confidence and reducing barriers to participation. Future partnerships should combine community and clinical recruitment routes, invest in relationship-building, and recognise the practical challenges that can affect ongoing participation.

How will we share and apply the findings? 

The findings from the IM-Adapted study will be shared through a range of channels, including academic journals, conferences, the project website and ARC East of England website. Findings will also be shared with study participants, partner organisations and other stakeholders through existing networks and stakeholder events involving healthcare professionals, service users, community organisations and the Young Women’s Advisory Group. Summaries of the findings will be distributed to relevant Muslim mental health organisations and community partners that supported the study.

Our collaborators, Inspirited Minds, will help disseminate the findings through online events, podcasts, social media and established networks, including healthcare professionals, service users and organisations such as the Muslim Health Alliance, the Muslim Council of Britain and MIND.