Abstract
BackgroundStigma affects all aspects of mental disorders, and is the most important risk factor for promoting mental health. The aim of this study was to explore strategies effective in reducing the stigma toward people with mental disorders in Iran.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted from 2013 to 2016. All participants were recruited by purposive sampling method. The majority of them were stakeholders of mental health in Iran. Data were collected through eight individual interviews, two focus groups, and six written narratives. The data were collected, coded and analyzed simultaneously. Content analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative interview data.ResultsThe major themes that emerged were: “Emphasis on education and changing attitudes”, “Changing the culture”, “Promoting supportive services”, “Role of various organizations and institutions”, “Integrated reform of structures and policies to improve the performance of custodians”, and “Evidence-based actions”.ConclusionsThis study did not investigate the extent of stigma or its origins, rather it examines strategies appropriate for implementation in Iran. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for reducing the stigma attached to patients with mental disorders.
Highlights
Stigma affects all aspects of mental disorders, and is the most important risk factor for promoting mental health
The aim of this study is to explore the opinions of stakeholders of mental health about the strategies to reduce the stigma toward people with mental disorders in Iran
The data analysis led to the emergence of strategies as proposed by the participants to reduce stigma in the mental disorders (Table 3)
Summary
Stigma affects all aspects of mental disorders, and is the most important risk factor for promoting mental health. Stigma is defined as a negative stereotype and perception with prejudiced beliefs and discriminatory behavior. It creates problems for both patients and their families in livelihood activities, communication and employment, and leads to patients’ incomplete treatment [1, 2]. Negative attitudes toward people with mental disorders are prevalent and widespread [4]. Contradictions and ambiguities about psychiatric patients can be considered incorrectly as Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with mental disorders have been observed in different societies and groups, including in families, co-workers [8], mental health providers [9], and students [8, 10]. Stigma may be strengthened by patients [10, 11] who may adopt self-stigmatizing behaviors
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