Related Stigma Research Articles

Mediating role of resilience in the relationship between COVID-19 related stigma and mental health among COVID-19 survivors: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused many negative effects on physical and mental health of patients who have survived COVID-19. Apart from some long-lasting physical sequelae, those COVID-19 survivors are also suffering stigma and discrimination at different levels around the world. The current study aims to assess the role resilience played in stigma and mental disorders among COVID-19 survivors.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was carried out among former COVID-19 patients in Jianghan District (Wuhan, China) from June 10 to July 25, 2021. The demographic questions, the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Resilience Style Questionnaire and the Short Version of COVID-19 Stigma Scale of 12 items were used to collect relevant information of the participants. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were used to make data description and analysis.ResultsA total of 1541 out of 1601 COVID-19 survivors (887 females and 654 males) were included in the analysis. Perceived stigma of those COVID-19 survivors correlates significantly with anxiety (r = 0.335, P < 0.001), depression (r = 0.325, P < 0.001) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (r = 0.384, P < 0.001). It has a direct effect on COVID-19 survivors’ anxiety (β = 0.326, P < 0.001), depression (β = 0.314, P < 0.001), PTSD (β = 0.385, P < 0.001) and their resilience (β = − 0.114, P < 0.01). Resilience partially mediated the association between perceived stigma and anxiety (β = 0.020, P < 0.01), depression (β = 0.020, P < 0.01), and PTSD (β = 0.014, P < 0.01) among COVID-19 survivors.ConclusionStigma has a significant negative impact on mental health, while resilience plays a mediator role in the relationship between stigma and mental health among COVID-19 survivors. Based on our study, we suggested that when designing psychological interventions for COVID-19 survivors, consideration should be taken into account to reduce stigma and improve resilience.

THE MANY FACES OF THE “FOSTER CARE YOUTH” LABEL: HOW YOUNG WOMEN MANAGE THE STIGMA OF OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT

A number of studies have found that adolescents in foster care expect and perceive stigma related to their “foster care youth” status. Yet, little is known about how this perceived stigma manifests, as well as how youth manage it. The current study therefore aimed to explore how young women with a history in foster care integrate these experiences into their life stories. The focus is on discursive manifestations of stigma in participants’ narratives about placement in foster care, their own perceptions of care-experienced girls and women, as well as how they self-present. Special attention is also given to the ways in which youth try to reduce, deflect, or eliminate stigma. The present study draws on semi-structured interviews conducted with a sample of 20 young women with a history in foster care. Our findings suggest that participants do anticipate and perceive public stigma in relation to their history in foster care. The results also highlight the various strategies used by participants to resist self-stigmatization. The main strategy used was to distance themselves from their “foster care youth” status, insisting that they should never have been placed in foster care and that they are not faring badly as adults, unlike typical care-experienced youth.

South Asian Females’ Exposure to Childhood Violence and Perceived Stigma regarding Mental Health

Exposure to violence during childhood can have a long term detrimental impact on psychological health and wellbeing of affected individuals. The current study investigated the moderating role of stigma in relation to early exposure to violence and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among South Asian females. For this purpose, convenient sampling strategy was used in which 128 South Asian females of ages18 to 30 (M=23, SD=3.63) completed an online survey. Multiple regression analysis was employed. The results highlighted that exposure to violence during childhood is associated to higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress experienced among South Asian females in adulthood. The findings indicated that stigma associated with exposure to violence in childhood moderated the relationship among early exposure to violence, anxiety and stress experienced as an adult. The discussion emphasize es the need for understanding the role of stigma, associated with exposure to violence during childhood, in the manifestation of mental health issues among South Asian females.

Do we have an “anti-stigmotic”? – Addressing Mental-Illness Related Stigma as the main issue

IntroductionFor people with mental illness, internalized stigma, also referred to as self-stigma, is characterized by a subjective perception of devaluation, marginalization, secrecy, shame, and withdrawal. It has many adverse effects on individual’s psychological well-being and clinical outcomes. The iatrogenic effects it has during psychotherapeutic treatment can significantly reduce utilization of mental health care services, reduce quality of life and increase avoidant coping. Overall, internalized stigma is considered a risk factor for poorer mental health prognosis. Although some interventions have recently been developed to specifically intervene on this target as part of psychological recovery goals over the course of treatment, most clinicians are not yet aware or empowered to correctly address this.ObjectivesDescription of a clinical case illustrating the relevance on addressing internalized mental illness related stigma during the recovery process.MethodsClinical case report and review of the literature on the subject.ResultsWe present the case of a 47-year-old female patient, C.S., single, graduated in social work (currently unemployed), who was admitted at the Psychiatry Day Hospital, where she was referred by her Psychiatry Assistant because of abulia, social withdrawal and isolation, depressed mood, thoughts of shame, guilt and self-devaluation and work incapacity. She had been admitted in the Psychiatry ward one year earlier for a first psychotic breakthrough, presenting persecutory and grandiose delusions and auditory hallucinations. After three weeks of inpatient treatment with antipsychotics, a full remission of the symptoms was achieved, without any posterior relapse. Before that first psychotic episode, the patient had been taking anti-depressive medication (escitalopram 20 mg id) for many years, prescribed by her General Practitioner, for mild to moderate depressive symptoms. After being discharged from the Psychiatry ward, C. kept following an outpatient treatment with anti-depressives and behavioural activation-based psychotherapy. She started to believe she was mentally ill and therefore weak, uncapable, and less deserving than her peers or her previous self. These self-stigmatizing ideas were enhanced by the lack of family support and the beliefs that were fostered by her mother, with whom she started to live after the hospitalization. These factors led to a dysfunctional internalization of an illness behaviour, jeopardizing the patient’s ability to reach full recovery.ConclusionsThis case reinforces the importance of targeting mental illness related stigma during the recovery process. Also, involving the family is of extreme importance to achieve support and address shared beliefs and the interchange between social and internalized stigma.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Constructions of Sexual Identities in the Ageing Body: A Qualitative Exploration of Older Norwegian Adults’ Negotiation of Body Image and Sexual Satisfaction

Older adults face age-related changes as well as stigma in relation to their bodies and sexuality, challenging their understanding of themselves as sexual, thought to impact both sexual desire, activity and satisfaction. A qualitative study with a semi-structured interview was completed with 32 people, aged 65–85, to investigate how older people construct understanding of their self as sexual in an ageing body. The analysis generated two main themes; “Positions of the ageing body as sexual”, with three subthemes, and “Negotiating change, transitions in identities”, with two sub themes. Results showed variations in participants’ thoughts about their body and how either appearance, agency or body function influenced different aspects of current sexuality and sexual satisfaction, and understandings of self. Statements showed examples of both internalized ageist understandings of the ageing body as sexual, but also rejections or low relevance of ageist attitudes in the understandings of present body image and sexual satisfaction. Results showed differences in how changes were understood and negotiated either through enhancement strategies or through cognitive-emotional, and social regulation. The findings demonstrated paradoxes and contradictions in the understanding and management of the ageing body and sexual satisfaction, where variations were found along but also across the divides of gender, relationship status and quality, sexual orientation, self-esteem and age cohorts. Implications indicate that health care strategies and policies should understand sexual ageing from a developmental perspective to support individual projects of developing affirmative and adjusted identities as sexual in an ageing body.

An act of agency: people with albinism in Tanzania creating change

The contact strategy has proven to be effective in reducing stigma in relation a variety of disabilities and health-related conditions. This strategy requires people to be willing to present on their condition. This study explored what the considerations are of ‘spokespersons’ to do so. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Informants (13) expressed how they felt about presenting, that it gave them the opportunity to develop themselves and to increase their status and confidence. Informants felt responsible for making a change in society and experienced their presentations as an effective strategy. The informants did not consider presenting themselves as a risk, as long as the necessary security arrangements are made, and proper training is provided. Recommendations are provided for the implementation and development of contact interventions in relation to health-related stigma.

Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce mental health related stigma in the workplace: a systematic review

ObjectivesIncreasing access to mental health support is a key factor for treating mental disorders, however, important barriers complicate help-seeking, among them, mental health related stigma being most prominent. We aimed...

Gender identity services must better integrate members of transgender people's social networks in care

Gender identity services must better integrate members of transgender people's social networks in care

Public stigma and treatment preferences for alcohol use disorders

BackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUD) are among the most highly stigmatized medical conditions. Only a minority of individuals with AUD seek treatment, and stigma is one of the most prominent barriers to treatment-seeking. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the associations between stigma and preferences for help-seeking, and the associations between stigma and preferences for treatment seeking.Aimto investigate the associations between stigma and preferences for where to seek help and treatment for AUD. As sub-analyses, associations between stigma, level of alcohol use and preferences for help-seeking and treatment preferences will be analyzed.MethodCross-sectional design, including n = 3037 participants aged 30 – 65 years, living in Denmark. Data: In 2020, an online questionnaire was administered by a market research company. The questionnaire covered demographics, preferences for help-seeking and treatment for AUD, stigma measured with the Difference, Disdain & Blame Scales for Public Stigma, and alcohol use measured with the Alcohol Use Disorder Test (AUDIT). Analyses: restricted cubic spline models were applied to model outcomes. Odds ratios were calculated.ResultsA lower level of stigma was associated with a higher probability of preferring formal and informal help-seeking for AUD. Both high and low levels of stigma were associated with a higher probability of preferring to consult general practitioners. Stigma was not associated with other preferences for treatment-seeking, nor trying to change oneself or a passive strategy. The sub-analyses, grouped by level of alcohol use, showed similar results.ConclusionStigma is associated with lower preferences for formal and informal help-seeking, however not type of treatment preferred. Future studies should address stigma in relation to other factors of the treatment-seeking process.

Stigmatizing and negative attitudes in oncology in Russia: prevalence, information aspects and psychological care based on a sociological study

BACKGROUND: In Russia, the cancer stigma is quite widespread. At best, it is expressed in pity, at worst in fear and alienation, which puts an even heavier burden on the patient, who not only faces experiences associated with treatment and the disease itself, but also feels guilty and ashamed. The study considered certain aspects of this stigma: the concealment of the diagnosis, the attitude to body changes, the confrontation with the patients new identification, the degree of stigma control by an individual. Additionally, the stigmatization of the need for psychological care which is necessary for cancer patients, as well as their relatives, leads to additional emotional distress. In order to effectively carry out informational and educational work, one needs to understand stigmatizing attitudes in general public and social media.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: The goal was to analyze the stigmatizing and negative cancer-related attitudes in the public consciousness and social media in Russia, as well as to understand the related stigma of the need for mental care.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: An all-Russian survey on the stigmatization of cancer and psychological care was conducted on a sample of cancer patients (n=73), close relatives of cancer patients (n=426), and respondents who have no experience with cancer (n=513). Additionally, we carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of users messages in social media using keywords, which potentially reflect the cancer-related experience of the author or their relatives (a random subsample of 400 messages from an initial sample of about 150 thousand messages).&#x0D; RESULTS: The article addresses the issue of stigmatizing cancer in modern Russian society from the concept of I. Goffman. A fairly widespread prevalence of negative and stigmatizing attitudes towards oncological diseases and professional psychological assistance in modern Russian society and in the media were revealed. We found differences among the subsamples in a number of stigmatizing attitudes, as well as the relationship of adherence to them with the age and gender of the respondents. Analysis of social media revealed their contribution to the cancer context as suffering pain, treatment, and financial burden.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The shown trends, along with gender and age differences, require differentiated information and educational work with each of the population groups.

“After all, we are all sick”: multi-stakeholder understanding of stigma associated with integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Uganda

BackgroundIntegrated care is increasingly used to manage chronic conditions. In Uganda, the integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care has been piloted, to leverage the advantages of well facilitated and established HIV health care provision structures. This qualitative study aimed to explore HIV stigma dynamics whilst investigating multi-stakeholder perceptions and experiences of providing and receiving integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Central Uganda. MethodsWe adopted a qualitative-observational design. Participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and with health care providers, clinical researchers, policy makers, and representatives from international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Focus group discussions were conducted with community members and leaders. Clinical procedures in the integrated care clinic were observed. Data were managed using Nvivo 12 and analyzed thematically.ResultsTriangulated findings revealed diverse multi-stakeholder perceptions around HIV related stigma. Integrated care reduced the frequency with which patients with combinations of HIV, diabetes, hypertension visited health facilities, reduced the associated treatment costs, increased interpersonal relationships among patients and healthcare providers, and increased the capacity of health care providers to manage multiple chronic conditions. Integration reduced stigma through creating opportunities for health education, which allayed patient fears and increased their resolve to enroll for and adhere to treatment. Patients also had an opportunity to offer and receive psycho-social support and coupled with the support they received from healthcare worker. This strengthened patient-patient and provider-patient relationships, which are building blocks of service integration and of HIV stigma reduction. Although the model significantly reduced stigma, it did not eradicate service level challenges and societal discrimination among HIV patients.ConclusionThe study reveals that, in a low resource setting like Uganda, integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care can improve patient experiences of care for multiple chronic conditions, and that integrated clinics may reduce HIV related stigma.

Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA.

Burnout and Mental Illness related Stigma among Healthcare Professionals in Pakistan

Burnout and Mental Illness related Stigma among Healthcare Professionals in Pakistan

Discrimination reported by people with schizophrenia: cross-national variations in relation to the Human Development Index.

Mental health related stigma and discrimination is a universal phenomenon and a contributor to the adversity experienced by people with schizophrenia. Research has produced inconsistent findings on how discrimination differs across settings and the contextual factors that underpin these differences. This study investigates the association between country-level Human Development Index (HDI) and experienced and anticipated discrimination reported by people with schizophrenia. This study is a secondary data analysis of a global cross-sectional survey completed by people living with schizophrenia across 29 countries, between 2005 and 2008. Experienced and anticipated discrimination were assessed using the Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC-10). Countries were classified according to their 2006 HDI. Negative binomial and Poisson regression analyses with a robust standard errors approach were conducted to investigate associations between country-level HDI and discrimination. In the regression analyses, no evidence was found for a linear association between HDI and experienced or anticipated discrimination. Further exploratory analyses showed a significant non-linear association between HDI ratings and experienced discrimination. Participants in "high" and "very high" HDI countries reported more experienced discrimination compared to those in "medium" HDI countries. HDI does, to some extent, appear to be associated with how far discrimination is experienced across different contexts. More high-quality cross-national research, including research focused on "medium" and "low" countries, is needed to substantiate these findings and identify underlying factors that may explain the pattern observed for experienced discrimination, including generating new datasets that would enable for these analyses to be repeated and contrasted with more recent data. An in-depth understanding of these factors will further aid the adaptation of cross-cultural and context specific anti-stigma interventions in future.

Tuberculosis-related knowledge, behaviors, stigmatizing attitude, and discrimination among refugees, migrants, and the general population in Jordan.

A better understanding of tuberculosis-related knowledge, attitude, practices in the community, and other issues can help in implementing evidence-driven activities to control tuberculosis in Jordan. This study aimed to assess tuberculosis-related knowledge, attitude, and behaviors among refugees, migrants, and general population, and assess their stigmatizing and discrimination attitudes toward tuberculosis patients, social behavior toward tuberculosis, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Jordanians, Syrian refugees, and migrants living in four governorates including Amman, Zarqa, Mafraq, and Irbid during the study period of June to September 2021. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data via face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and general linear model procedure were used to analyze data. A total of 2302 (27.7% Jordanians, 25.7% urban refugees, 22.1% camp refugees, and 24.5% migrants) participated in this study. Of the total, 90.1% of participants reported that they have heard of tuberculosis. However, 88.9% of Jordanians, 92.8% of urban refugees, 92% of camp refugees, and 90.5% of migrants had low level of tuberculosis-related knowledge. About 62.0% of urban refugees, 54.8% of Jordanians, 43.0% of camp refugees, and 55.4% of migrants had moderate to high stigmatizing attitude toward tuberculosis patients. About 15.1% of Jordanians, 10.6% of urban refugees, 23.7% of camp refugees, and 16.1% of migrants had moderate to high level of discriminating attitude toward tuberculosis patients. Camp refugees had a significantly higher level of discriminating attitude toward tuberculosis patients than the other groups. This study identified significant gaps in tuberculosis-related knowledge among the targeted groups. Moderate to high level of stigmatizing attitude was reported by a considerable proportion of the study participants. This suggests a need for public health education programs to educate people on tuberculosis causes, signs, symptoms, mode of transmission, and address related stigma, especially among the most disadvantaged and affected communities in Jordan.

Influence of HIV Status Disclosure on Quality of Life among HIV/AIDS Patients in Benue State

Stigma and discrimination have affected the disclosure of HIV/AIDS status among the populace in Benue State. This may have led to the impairment of patients’ quality of life emotionally, physically and cognitively. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of HIV status disclosure on quality of life among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Cross-sectional survey design was used on a sample of 375 HIV/AIDS patients consisting of 180 (48%) male and 195 (52%) female patients. Their ages ranged from 18-53years with a mean age of 38.66years (SD=6.34). The sampling technique used was proportionate sampling while the instruments used for data collection were the HIV/AIDS Status Disclosure Scale and the Professional Quality of Life – HIV Scale. The four hypotheses raised were tested using Multiple Linear regression and Standard Multiple Regression Analysis. Results indicated that there was a significant influence of HIV status disclosure on emotional distress among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Secondly, there was a significant influence of HIV status disclosure on intimate relationship among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Thirdly, there was no significant influence of HIV status disclosure on physical/cognitive functioning among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. Lastly, there was a significant influence of HIV status disclosure on quality of life among HIV/AIDS patients in Benue State. It was hence recommended that, clinical psychologists and other health workers should proliferate their efforts in campaigning against HIV related stigma. This will eradicate the hesitation people have in disclosing their HIV status to other persons.

Challenges Faced by Acutely Ill COVID 19 Patients with Obesity: A Narrative Review

Several studies have shown that people with obesity are more likely to experience worse outcomes with COVID 19 infection, regardless of the severity of illness and the presence of other comorbidities. The same population also experiences numerous disparities while accessing health care. From obesity related stigma embedded in thought processes of healthcare personnels to lack of widespread availability of equipment/personnel to handle patients with obesity delay appropriate care reception. As described in this article, these systemic disparities become more evident amongst critically ill COVID 19 patients by directly contributing to severe morbidity and mortality. The pandemic highlighted the unmet need amongst this population in reception of acute and subacute medical care. Also, it shed light on the opportunities to improve the status quo in healthcare delivery. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the health care system works toward eliminating systemic biases associated with acute care for patients with obesity. As the proportion of obese population is continually growing in the United States without the necessary reformation in the health care system, this article is intended to inform policy makers of the urgent need for reformation of the acute and subacute health care systems in order to accommodate the changing needs of the population.

UNDERSTANDING CHALLENGES AND STRENGTHS EXPERIENCED BY CHINESE AMERICAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia are often challenged by barriers to utilize caregiving support services due to language barriers, minimal understanding of dementia, limited numbers of culturally competent health care providers, as well as conflicting cultural norms, such as the disease related stigma. Subsequently, a delayed diagnosis and a hesitance to seek social support services and formal resources are prevalent among Chinese American families caring for persons with dementia. However, the resilience of these caregivers is often noted as a strength of this sub-population. We aimed to identify the challenges and strengths expressed by Chinese American family caregivers caring for persons with dementia by exploring their caregiving experiences. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 26 Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia during the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged as challenges: lack of knowledge regarding early signs of dementia and family caregivers’ social isolation and loneliness. Two additional themes emerged as demonstrated strengths: utilizing technology throughout the caregiving trajectory and family caregivers’ helping behaviors. Our findings indicate potential to promote disease-related education and reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness among Chinese family caregivers caring for persons with dementia by using technology and peer-led approaches. The examined coping strategies of Chinese American caregivers may be leveraged across disciplines to increase disease related knowledge, rates of early diagnosis, as well as the utilization of formal supports and resources.

COMBATING STIGMA: AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Substance Use Disorder (SUD) affects people from all walks of life and age groups. Special considerations for older adults with SUD should be made secondary to the unique pathophysiological and socio-economic complexities of aging populations. Successful SUD treatment and recovery depends on access to essential support systems comprised of interprofessional teams as well as family, friends, and caregivers. Education on SUD for healthcare providers, caregivers and the community is a key component for combating the national opioid epidemic and the stigma that can be a barrier to recovery. A ten-minute video and an accompanying discussion guide were developed to present to clinical faculty and students participating in an interprofessional care coordination wellness clinic servicing low-income older adults living independently in the community setting. The video was designed to highlight stigma and ageism facing older adults with SUD and serve as the basis for discussion among learners. The process for creating and evaluating the video and discussion guide will be shared including the role of older adults with lived experience of SUD in the process. Information will be provided on SUD as a chronic disease and the importance of interprofessional and individualized patient care in recovery. Participants will be able to identify the significance of SUD related stigma in providing and seeking care, asses the role of mental/behavioral health in SUD, and learn about treatment options for SUD. This will allow for better identification of characteristics of older adult populations that place them at greater harm from the consequences SUD.

Conceptualisations of mental illness and stigma in Congolese, Arabic-speaking and Mandarin-speaking communities: a qualitative study

BackgroundAustralia is an ethnically diverse nation. Research has demonstrated an elevated risk of developing a mental illness in culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities yet uptake of mental health services is low. To improve mental health treatment seeking and outcomes for CaLD individuals in Australia there is an urgent need to deeply understand barriers to treatment such as stigma. Using an exploratory qualitative approach, the aim of the study was to explore how CaLD communities’ conceptualise and interpret mental illness and associated beliefs and experiences of stigma.MethodsThe study focused on three key CaLD groups: the Congolese, Arabic-speaking and Mandarin-speaking communities residing in Sydney, Australia. A series of eight focus group discussions (n = 51) and 26 key informant interviews were undertaken online using Zoom during the period of November to December 2021. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analysed using NVivo software.ResultsThree major themes were identified. The first theme related to mental illness terminology used in the three communities. Despite variation in the terms used to refer to ‘mental illness’ all three communities generally distinguished between ‘mental illness’, a more severe condition and ‘mental health problems’, considered to arise due to stressors. The second theme centred on beliefs about mental illness; with all three communities identifying migration-related stressors as contributing to mental illness. Culturally related beliefs were noted for the Congolese participants with the perception of a link between mental illness and supernatural factors, whereas Mandarin-speaking participants highlighted lack of inter and intrapersonal harmony and failure to adhere to values such as filial piety as contributing to mental illness. The final theme related to mental illness related stigma and the various ways it manifested in the three communities including presence of collectivist public stigma felt across all three groups and affiliate (family) stigma reported by the Arabic and Mandarin-speaking groups.ConclusionsWe found rich diversity in how these communities view and respond to mental illness. Our findings provide some possible insights on both service provision and the mental health system with a view to building effective engagement and pathways to care.