‘Oh! It's like taboo’: perspectives of religious and community leaders on AOD use, harms and treatment in CALD communities, Sydney

Objective: Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is a growing social and health issue, and culturally appropriate treatment is important, especially for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This study aimed to explore the views of religious and community leaders on AOD use and treatment in CALD communities in New South Wales, Australia. Design: Using a qualitative exploratory approach, eight religious and community leaders were purposively selected from Sub-Saharan African, North African, Middle Eastern, East Asian and Pacific Islander communities. This approach is particularly suited to contexts where little prior research exists, allowing for in-depth insights into participants' views. Results: The study identified four key themes in participants' perspectives on AOD use and treatment within CALD communities. First, cultural and contextual factors described how cultural and religious values influence community leaders' attitudes toward AOD. Second, community-wide impact captured the collective nature of CALD communities, where individual behaviours are seen as reflecting on the broader family and community. Third, enablers to access and engagement with AOD Services highlighted the factors that support access to and engagement with AOD services. Finally, barriers to access and engagement with AOD Services addressed the obstacles that prevent individuals from seeking treatment. Conclusion: Our findings show that AOD use and harms can be influenced by contextual and cultural factors, requiring culturally appropriate and targeted interventions and strategies to prevent harm and to manage AOD treatment among CALD communities. Implications for Public Health: Findings highlight the need for culturally tailored AOD prevention and treatment strategies that engage community and religious leaders to improve access, reduce stigma and increase uptake within CALD communities.