A mixed-methods evaluation of ‘The Quest’, a health and well-being intervention for British-based Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic gay and bisexual men

This article provides an evaluation of a health and well-being workshop based intervention, ‘The Quest’ for gay and bisexual men from British Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A quantitative component assessed reported and intended sexual risk, drugs and alcohol use alongside measures of psychological well-being with pre and post programme data collected from 26 men. Fourteen men participated in focus groups which discussed experiences of the intervention. Significant improvements were found on measures of internalised homophobia, self-esteem and self-efficacy but not for health behaviours including safer sex or substance use. Qualitative feedback was generally positive especially around enhanced psychological well-being, identity integration, and enhanced self-awareness. There were some concerns over group size and whether non-BAME gay men were appropriate as facilitators. Theoretically-informed, culturally competent interventions can demonstrate significant potential in enhancing the well-being of BAME gay and bisexual men but follow-up data are needed to show longer-term benefits.