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Al Alawi M, Al Ghailani A. Understanding physician burnout in Oman: current status, cultural influences and future directions. BJPsych Int 2024; 21:38-39. [PMID: 38693953 PMCID: PMC11035967 DOI: 10.1192/bji.2024.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Amidst the current global surge in physician burnout, a compelling need arises for precisely targeted research and interventions that cater to specific contexts, illuminating a path towards professional well-being. This brief communication analyses recent studies on physician burnout in Oman, critically evaluating the findings, cultural factors, methodological limitations and future growth opportunities. Distinct elements of Omani culture, encompassing attitudes towards mental illness, gender roles and patient expectations, can distinctly influence how burnout presents in this population. Advanced mixed-methods research integrating cultural insights, biomarkers and longitudinal tracking is needed to characterise burnout in Omani physicians. The findings can play a significant role in developing comprehensive interventions, at both a systemic and an individual level, that promote well-being of physicians while specifically aligning with the cultural values of Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al Alawi
- MD, MRCPsych, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, Department of Behavioral Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-khod, Oman
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Singleton J, Stevens JE, Truong R, McCulloch A, Ara E, Cooper MB, Hobbs B, Hotham E, Suppiah V. Consumer knowledge of mental health conditions, awareness of mental health support services, and perception of community pharmacists' role in mental health promotion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2024; 32:170-179. [PMID: 38142048 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore community pharmacy consumers' knowledge and attitudes of mental illness, support services, and community pharmacists' role in supporting people living with mental illness (PLMI). METHODS This survey was conducted in 15 community pharmacies between June and September 2019. Participants were aged 18 years or older without prior or ongoing history of mental illness and/or with close family members with mental illness. Open-ended responses to the anonymous questionnaire were analysed using content analysis. KEY FINDINGS Majority of the 380 participants were female (57.4%) with a mean age 52.9 years and 33.7% having completed university. Most (70.3%) believed that people with mental illness had a negative image due to poor health literacy providing possible solutions of 'awareness campaigns', 'education and training', and 'increased government funding for mental health (MH) support services'. Only 33.7% and 63.7% of participants were aware of Mental Health Week and the R U OK? Campaign, respectively. Whilst 12.4% of participants had participated in MH campaigns, only 3.4% were aware of community pharmacists-led MH educational activities. There were significant differences between adults (<65 years) and older adults (≥65 years old) with the latter reporting a more negative image for mental illness (P < 0.05) and having less exposure and engagement with MH resources (P < 0.001) and campaigns (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Despite awareness, participants reported low engagement with MH campaigns. Additionally, older adults had lower MH literacy and exposure to resources and campaigns. This study highlighted that the community lacked awareness of what pharmacists can offer to support PLMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Singleton
- Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences (Pharmacy), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Julie E Stevens
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3082, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Raymond Truong
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Adam McCulloch
- Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences (Pharmacy), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Elay Ara
- Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences (Pharmacy), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Maria B Cooper
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Britany Hobbs
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hotham
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Vijayaprakash Suppiah
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Valaitė D, Berniūnas R. Majnūn or Mental Disorders: Between Cultural Traditions and Western Psychology in Jordan. Cult Med Psychiatry 2024; 48:136-157. [PMID: 35948861 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-022-09787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mental disorders or altered psychological states are prevalent in all populations, regardless of race or ethnic origin, while at the same time, culture also shapes the conceptions of mental disorders. Religion is deeply rooted in the daily life of the Muslim-majority countries, while Arab countries are affected by an ongoing modernization. Thus, how does the traditional religious conception of mental disorders interact with Western psychological conceptions in contemporary Arab-Muslim society? This study explores the conceptions of mental disorders and their causes among Muslims in contemporary Jordan. By employing cognitive anthropological method (free listing), forty participants were asked to provide three lists of (a) typical names of mental disorders, (b) causes of mental disorders and (c) determining features of mental disorders. Collected qualitative data have been quantitatively analysed and interpreted in the context of relevant ethnographic and interview data. While Western terms of mental disorders are well known among young and educated Jordanians, the study demonstrates that Jordanians employ cultural and religious notions alongside. This co-existence of different conceptions confirms an importance of Islamic notion in the modern rendering of mental health. As a result, despite rapid modernization, mental health is still highly stigmatized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dovilė Valaitė
- Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Kamalinejad K, Shariat SV, Eissazade N, Shalbafan M. The attitude of contemporary Iranian directors and screenwriters toward patients with mental disorders in comparison with general population. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:73. [PMID: 38360759 PMCID: PMC10868113 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01550-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are accountable for 16% of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Therefore, accessible, cost-effective interventions are needed to help provide preventive and therapeutic options. As directors and screenwriters can reach a great audience, they can use their platform to either promote stigma or educate the public with the correct definition and conception of mental disorders. Therefore, we aimed to measure the stigmatizing attitude of contemporary Iranian directors and screenwriters toward patients with mental disorders in comparison with a general population group. METHODS In this comparative study, we included 72 directors and screenwriters between 18 and 65 years of age with a minimum involvement in at least one movie/television show, and 72 age and educationmatched controls. We collected the demographic data of the participants, and used the Persian version of the Level of Contact Report (LCR) to measure their familiarity with mental disorders, and used the Persian version of Social Distance Scale (SDS) and Dangerousness Scale (DS) to measure their attitude toward them. RESULTS Compared to the general population group, directors and screenwriters had significantly lower SDS (12.51 ± 3.8 vs. 13.65 ± 3.73) and DS (12.51 ± 3.8 vs. 13.65 ± 3.73) scores (P < 0.001), indicating a more positive attitude toward patients with mental disorders. Familiarity with mental disorders was not significantly different between the groups. Female sex was associated with a more negative attitude among the directors and screenwriters group. Additionally, among the SDS items, 'How would you feel about someone with severe mental disorder marrying your children?' and 'How would you feel about someone with severe mental disorder taking care of your children for a couple of hours?' received the most negative feedback in both groups. And among the DS items, 'there should be a law forbidding a former mental patient the right to obtain a hunting license' received the most negative feedback in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Iranian contemporary directors and screenwriters had a more positive attitude toward patients with mental disorders, compared to general population. Due to this relatively positive attitude, this group of artists can potentially contribute to anti-stigma initiatives by offering educational materials and resources, promoting mental health care, and improving access to mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiandokht Kamalinejad
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seved Vahid Shariat
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Eissazade
- Brain and Cognition Clinic, Institute for Cognitive Sciences Studies, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Shalbafan
- Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bowling AR, Klein AB, Sheikh IS, Dolezal ML, Alsubaie MK, Rosencrans PL, Walker RS, Bentley JA, Zoellner LA, Feeny NC. Perceived Need for a Faith-Based Trauma-Focused Treatment in a Sample of Forcibly Displaced Muslims. COGENT MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 3:1-18. [PMID: 38550624 PMCID: PMC10972603 DOI: 10.1080/28324765.2024.2305417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Forcibly displaced Muslims, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers who have fled their homes to escape violence, conflict, and persecution, often have inequitable access to quality mental health services, despite substantial trauma exposure and high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding factors associated with domains of perceived need (i.e., community, individual, friends/family) for culturally-responsive, trauma-focused mental health interventions among forcibly displaced Muslims may provide insight into those most likely to seek psychological treatment. A sample of 108 forcibly displaced Muslims endorsed moderate to high perceived need across all three domains for a trauma healing group tailored for Muslim refugees. PTSD severity related to perceived individual need, regardless of locus of displacement. Among participants with minimal PTSD symptoms, those who were externally displaced had higher perceived community and friends or family need than those who were internally displaced. Findings highlight a need for culturally responsive, trauma-focused mental health services to facilitate access to mental health care for forcibly displaced Muslims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R. Bowling
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alexandra B. Klein
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ifrah S. Sheikh
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Michael L. Dolezal
- Seattle Pacific University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jacob A. Bentley
- Seattle Pacific University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lori A. Zoellner
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Norah C. Feeny
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Elahi S, Elsayed D, Ali S, Awaad R. Ethnic Differences in Muslim Women's Mental Health Beliefs, Rejection Attitudes, and Familiarity with Professional Mental Healthcare. Ment Health Relig Cult 2024; 26:890-907. [PMID: 38585328 PMCID: PMC10997350 DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2023.2243459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Prior work on Muslims' mental health help-seeking factors has emphasized their rejection attitudes, religious and cultural beliefs, and familiarity with mental health (Aloud & Rathur, 2009; Ali et al., 2021). However, no research has examined differences in these factors across different Muslim ethnic groups, and particularly among Muslim women. 1214 Muslim women living in the USA completed online questionnaires. Data was stratified based on history of mental health visits to control for previous service utilization. MANOVAs assessed ethnic group differences in beliefs, familiarity, and rejection attitudes toward professional mental healthcare. Results revealed significant differences between ethnic groups in all three factors; these differences depended on the women's history of service utilization. Findings suggest that barriers to accessing professional mental healthcare differ among Muslim ethnic groups. Results are discussed in light of clinical implications and other contributing factors to the underutilization of professional mental healthcare among ethnically diverse American Muslim women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Elahi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Danah Elsayed
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - Sara Ali
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Rania Awaad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
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Hsu C, Williamson BD, Becker M, Berry B, Cook AJ, Derus A, Estrada C, Gacuiri M, Kone A, McCracken C, McDonald B, Piccorelli AV, Senturia K, Volney J, Wilson KB, Green BB. Engaging staff to improve COVID-19 vaccination response at long-term care facilities (ENSPIRE): A cluster randomized trial of co-designed, tailored vaccine promotion materials. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 136:107403. [PMID: 38052297 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccination rates among long-term care center (LTCC) workers are among the lowest of all frontline health care workers. Current efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake generally focus on strategies that have proven effective for increasing influenza vaccine uptake among health care workers including educational and communication strategies. Experimental evidence is lacking on the comparative advantage of educational strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and uptake, especially in the context of COVID-19. Despite the lack of evidence, education and communication strategies are recommended to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates and decrease vaccine hesitancy (VH), especially strategies using tailored messaging for disproportionately affected populations. METHODS We describe a cluster-randomized comparative effectiveness trial with 40 LTCCs and approximately 4000 LTCC workers in 2 geographically, culturally, and ethnically distinct states. We compare the effectiveness of two strategies for increasing COVID-19 booster vaccination rates and willingness to promote COVID-19 booster vaccination: co-design processes for tailoring educational messages vs. an enhanced usual care comparator. Our study focuses on the language and/or cultural groups that are most disproportionately affected by VH and low COVID-19 vaccine uptake in these LTCCs. CONCLUSION Finding effective methods to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake and decrease VH among LTCC staff is critical. Beyond COVID-19, better approaches are needed to improve vaccine uptake and decrease VH for a variety of existing vaccines as well as vaccines created to address novel viruses as they emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Hsu
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America; Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, United States of America; University of Washington School of Public Health, United States of America.
| | - Brian D Williamson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Marla Becker
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America; Era Living, United States of America
| | - Breana Berry
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, United States of America
| | - Andrea J Cook
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Alphonse Derus
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America
| | - Camilo Estrada
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America
| | - Margaret Gacuiri
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America
| | - Ahoua Kone
- University of Washington School of Public Health, United States of America; Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Health Systems Science, United States of America
| | - Courtney McCracken
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, United States of America
| | - Bennett McDonald
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Kirsten Senturia
- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, United States of America; University of Washington School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn Volney
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kanetha B Wilson
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, United States of America
| | - Beverly B Green
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, United States of America; Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine, Department of Health Systems Science, United States of America
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Badran L, Rosenbaum S, Rimmerman A. Quality of life for people with psychiatric disabilities employed in extended employment programs in two Arab towns in Israel: an exploratory study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1307726. [PMID: 38188056 PMCID: PMC10768663 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1307726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to examine the quality of life (QOL) for people with psychiatric disabilities who are engaged in extended employment programs (homogeneous versus heterogeneous) in the Arab-populated Triangle Area of Israel. The homogeneous program participants are exclusively Arab while the heterogeneous program includes both Arabs and Jews. Methods Quantitative research study of 104 adults with psychiatric disabilities engaged in two communal extended employment programs. Participants completed demographic (age (years), gender, marital status (married, widowed/separated, married, single), religion (Muslim, Jewish, Christian), dichotomous nationality variable (Jewish/Arab), and years of education) and employment questionnaires (length of time in the employment program, number of working days/h and salary satisfaction); SF 12 Scale; and The Personal Wellbeing Index questionnaire. Two-sample T-Test, exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regressions were conducted for tracking the differences between participants in homogeneous and heterogeneous programs. Results A significant difference was found between the programs in two QOL components, insofar as satisfaction with the standard of living, together with health satisfaction were rated higher for participants in the heterogeneous program than for their homogeneous program counterparts. Furthermore, the results indicate that physical health and gender were the most important variables in explaining QOL in both programs, while the employment variables were not significant. Discussion Since the research findings show that the employment-related-items aren't significant in predicting the employees' QOL, the definition and suitability of extended employment environments as a mental health service must be reexamined. Cultural elements may also have an impact on QOL when the programs are located in a traditional town, with gender playing a key role. The family's role is pivotal in traditional societies, influencing an individual's ability to participate in employment programs and the support they receive. In patriarchal societies, there can be added pressure on men with psychiatric disabilities to conform to societal expectations. Given the general lack of health awareness in Arab communities, there is a need to develop additional projects or incorporate physical health improvement as a rehabilitation goal when working with individuals with psychiatric disabilities, regardless of the type of community rehabilitation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Badran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Stephen Rosenbaum
- School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Arik Rimmerman
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Al Omari O, Amandu G, Al-Adawi S, Shebani Z, Al Harthy I, Obeidat A, Al Dameery K, Al Qadire M, Al Hashmi I, Al Khawldeh A, ALBashtawy M, Aljezawi M. The lived experience of Omani adolescents and young adults with mental illness: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294856. [PMID: 38011180 PMCID: PMC10681192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently limited knowledge about the firsthand experiences of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and the meanings they ascribe to these experiences, particularly within Arab countries. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experience of Omani adolescents and young adults with a mental health problem. A sample of 15 participants aged 13-22 diagnosed with a range of mental health problems took part in the study. A qualitative interview guide consisting of open-ended questions was used to allow participants to speak in-depth about their experiences. Using the thematic analysis approach to uncover patterns in the data, three major themes emerged: "living in darkness", "perilous journey" and "uncertain future". Results show that the progress of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems is characterized by several challenges; the most significant of which is having insufficient knowledge about their illness, leading to unnecessary delays in their treatment. These findings shed light on the breadth and depth of the experience of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and lay the groundwork for further examinations. Implications lie in the development of approaches for preventing or mitigating difficulties faced by adolescents and young adults with mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al Omari
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- College of Nursing, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Gerald Amandu
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zubaida Shebani
- College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Arwa Obeidat
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Mohammad Al Qadire
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
| | - Iman Al Hashmi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Maen Aljezawi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
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alHarbi H, Farrand P, Laidlaw K. Understanding the beliefs and attitudes towards mental health problems held by Muslim communities and acceptability of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment: systematic review and thematic synthesis. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:26. [PMID: 37995058 PMCID: PMC10667170 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muslims experience the lowest recovery rate from mental health difficulties across all religious groups. The aim of this research is to understand the barriers that prevent Muslims from accessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the extent to which these may vary across country of residence. METHODS Systematic review and thematic synthesis for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies published in English and Arabic informed by the SPIDER search tool. Methodological quality and risk of bias of included papers were critically appraised independently according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS A search of seven databases in the Arabic and English language yielded 3836 studies with 210 studies assessed for eligibility. Employing the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool resulted in 14 studies included in the thematic synthesis. Seven studies adopted a qualitative methodology employing semi-structured interviews and seven were quantitative descriptive studies. CONCLUSIONS Muslim communities experience barriers accessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the level of the individual, culture, provider and management. The main barriers were experienced at the individual level which was dominated by the influence of Islam regarding the cause of mental health difficulties, which also influenced the way in which difficulties were managed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO and registration number: CRD42020192854.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind alHarbi
- Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR), Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK.
| | - Paul Farrand
- Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR), Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Ken Laidlaw
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
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Elshamy F, Hamadeh A, Billings J, Alyafei A. Mental illness and help-seeking behaviours among Middle Eastern cultures: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293525. [PMID: 37883515 PMCID: PMC10602270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Western literature has long explored help-seeking behaviours related to mental health issues. However, this has been relatively neglected in the Middle East despite an increase in mental health needs in the region. The purpose of this review was to conduct a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis exploring help-seeking behaviours related to mental health issues in the Middle East. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis to gain a comprehensive overview of what is known about mental health and help-seeking behaviours in the Middle East from published qualitative research in the Middle Eastern region. A search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and QScience) was carried out from inception to July 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool, and the review protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO (Ref: CRD42022311494). RESULTS We identified 16 qualitative studies exploring mental health-seeking behaviours in Middle East countries. Facilitators and barriers to help-seeking were captured under six overarching themes. Across all studies, we identified negative attitudes towards seeking help for mental health issues, economic and structural barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and misconceptions surrounding religious beliefs, all of which had a critical role in impacting decisions to seek mental healthcare services. Many sought help from alternative sources, such as traditional healers or family members before consulting a healthcare professional. The role of the family and cultural norms was also identified as key contributors to people's help-seeking behaviours. CONCLUSIONS This meta-synthesis indicates the existence of many challenges surrounding mental health-seeking in the Middle East, including public and internalizing stigmas. This suggests an urgent need for an increase in psychoeducation and mental health awareness in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Elshamy
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayah Hamadeh
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aisha Alyafei
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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AlQaderi N, Banibella Abdelmagied Elamin A, Yasser Abdelraouf Abdelmonem K, Teir HJ, Andrade G. Phone addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health amongst young adults in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:313. [PMID: 37803432 PMCID: PMC10557357 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01320-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone addiction is a common phenomenon worldwide and within the UAE. It is related to many factors, including gender and ethnicity, and can lead to mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This study investigates these factors concerning smartphone addiction among young adults in the UAE. METHODS 421 participants answered a questionnaire of validated and reliable scales measuring smartphone addiction, cyberbullying experiences, mental health, and demographic information. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and the age groups were divided into two groups. Group 1 consists of participants who are 20 years or younger, and group 2 consists of participants aged 21 or older. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between smartphone addiction with both anxiety and depression. A positive correlation was also found between cyberbullying victims, anxiety, and depression. Females were found to have higher levels of anxiety and smartphone addiction in comparison to males. CONCLUSION Smartphone addiction is a problem that connects to disorders like anxiety and depression. Conversely, cyberbullying is not directly related to smartphone addiction but is also strongly related to anxiety and depression.
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Daher-Nashif S, Stambouli M, Alhuwailah A, Helmy M, Shuwiekh HAM, Mohamed Lemine CMF, Radwan E, Saquib J, Saquib N, Fawaz M, Zarrouq B, Naser AY, Obeid S, Saleh M, Haider S, Miloud L, Badrasawi M, Hamdan-Mansour A, Barbato M, Motwakil Bakhiet A, Khalil NS, Adawi S, Grein F, Loch AA, Cheour M, Hallit S. Mental illness stigma as a moderator in the relationship between religiosity and help-seeking attitudes among Muslims from 16 Arab countries. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1671. [PMID: 37649023 PMCID: PMC10469418 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16622-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the potential barriers responsible for delaying access to care, and elucidating pathways to early intervention should be a priority, especially in Arab countries where mental health resources are limited. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the relationship between religiosity, stigma and help-seeking in an Arab Muslim cultural background. Hence, we propose in the present study to test the moderating role of stigma toward mental illness in the relationship between religiosity and help-seeking attitudes among Muslim community people living in different Arab countries. METHOD The current survey is part of a large-scale multinational collaborative project (StIgma of Mental Problems in Arab CounTries [The IMPACT Project]). We carried-out a web-based cross-sectional, and multi-country study between June and November 2021. The final sample comprised 9782 Arab Muslim participants (mean age 29.67 ± 10.80 years, 77.1% females). RESULTS Bivariate analyses showed that less stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness and higher religiosity levels were significantly associated with more favorable help-seeking attitudes. Moderation analyses revealed that the interaction religiosity by mental illness stigma was significantly associated with help-seeking attitudes (Beta = .005; p < .001); at low and moderate levels of stigma, higher religiosity was significantly associated with more favorable help-seeking attitudes. CONCLUSION Our findings preliminarily suggest that mental illness stigma is a modifiable individual factor that seems to strengthen the direct positive effect of religiosity on help-seeking attitudes. This provides potential insights on possible anti-stigma interventions that might help overcome reluctance to counseling in highly religious Arab Muslim communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Department of Psychiatry Ibn OmraneThe Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Suhad Daher-Nashif
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Manel Stambouli
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Psychiatry Ibn OmraneThe Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Mai Helmy
- Psychology department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Psychology department, Faculty of Arts, Menoufia University, Menofia Governorate, Egypt
| | | | | | - Eqbal Radwan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Juliann Saquib
- College of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Sulaiman AlRajhi University, Bukariyah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nazmus Saquib
- College of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Sulaiman AlRajhi University, Bukariyah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mirna Fawaz
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Btissame Zarrouq
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Fez, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Y Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Maan Saleh
- Department of Psychiatry Khobar, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanad Haider
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Behavioral Sciences Dep. A, Aden, Yemen
| | - Lahmer Miloud
- The National Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology, Oran, Algeria
| | - Manal Badrasawi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Mariapaola Barbato
- Department of Psychology, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, UAE
| | | | | | - Samir Adawi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Behavioural Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Alexandre Andrade Loch
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores Em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico E Tecnológico, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Majda Cheour
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Psychiatry Ibn OmraneThe Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, P.O. Box 446, Lebanon.
- Research and Psychiatry Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Chimoriya R, Mohammad Y, Thomson R, Webster C, Dunne R, Aibangbee M, Ip D, Slewa-Younan S. Mental illness stigma and associated factors among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia. Int J Ment Health Syst 2023; 17:11. [PMID: 37138317 PMCID: PMC10155307 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-023-00580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations form a significant proportion of Australia's population. Despite high levels of psychological distress among Arabic-speaking populations, low uptake of mental health services has been demonstrated. Evidence suggests poor levels of mental health literacy (MHL) and high levels of stigmatising attitudes among Arabic-speaking populations, which may act as barriers to help-seeking behaviours. This study aimed to explore the relationships between measures of mental illness stigma, socio-demographic factors and psychological distress, as well as to determine the factors associated with MHL (i.e., correct recognition of mental illness and knowledge of causes) among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia. METHODS Participants were recruited from non-government organisations in Greater Western Sydney that provided support services to Arabic-speaking migrants and/or refugees. As this study is nested within an interventional pilot study evaluating a culturally tailored MHL program, only the pre-intervention survey responses for 53 participants were utilised. The survey measured key aspects of MHL (i.e., recognition of mental illness, knowledge of causes), levels of psychological distress (using K10 scale), and stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness (using Personal Stigma Subscales and Social Distance Scale). RESULTS The Personal Stigma subscale of 'Dangerous/unpredictable' was strongly positively correlated with participants' K10 psychological distress scores and strongly negatively correlated with years of education completed. There were moderate negative correlations between two Personal Stigma subscales ('Dangerous/unpredictable' and 'I-would-not-tell-anyone') and the length of stay in Australia. Being female was associated with an increase in personal stigma demonstrated by higher scores for 'I-would-not-tell-anyone' subscale than males. Similarly, increase in age was associated with a decrease on scores of the personal stigma 'Dangerous/unpredictable'. CONCLUSIONS While future research with larger sample size are needed, the study findings can be considered as adding to the evidence base on mental illness related stigma in Arabic-speaking populations. Further, this study provides a starting point in developing the rationale for why population sub-group specific interventions are required to address mental illness stigma and improve MHL among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant populations in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Chimoriya
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Yaser Mohammad
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Russell Thomson
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Cheryl Webster
- Anglicare, Anglican Community Services, Baulkham Hills, Australia
| | - Rachel Dunne
- Anglicare, Anglican Community Services, Baulkham Hills, Australia
| | | | - David Ip
- Anglicare, Anglican Community Services, Baulkham Hills, Australia
| | - Shameran Slewa-Younan
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Cross-cultural comparison of mental illness stigma and help-seeking attitudes: a multinational population-based study from 16 Arab countries and 10,036 individuals. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 58:641-656. [PMID: 36583767 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that culture deeply affects beliefs about mental illnesses' causes, treatment, and help-seeking. We aimed to explore and compare knowledge, attitudes toward mental illness and help-seeking, causal attributions, and help-seeking recommendations for mental illnesses across various Arab countries and investigate factors related to attitudes toward help-seeking. METHODS We carried out a multinational cross-sectional study using online self-administered surveys in the Arabic language from June to November 2021 across 16 Arab countries among participants from the general public. RESULTS More than one in four individuals exhibited stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness (26.5%), had poor knowledge (31.7%), and hold negative attitudes toward help-seeking (28.0%). ANOVA tests revealed a significant difference between countries regarding attitudes (F = 194.8, p < .001), knowledge (F = 88.7, p < .001), and help-seeking attitudes (F = 32.4, p < .001). Three multivariate regression analysis models were performed for overall sample, as well as Palestinian and Sudanese samples that displayed the lowest and highest ATSPPH-SF scores, respectively. In the overall sample, being female, older, having higher knowledge and more positive attitudes toward mental illness, and endorsing biomedical and psychosocial causations were associated with more favorable help-seeking attitudes; whereas having a family psychiatric history and endorsing religious/supernatural causations were associated with more negative help-seeking attitudes. The same results have been found in the Palestinian sample, while only stigma dimensions helped predict help-seeking attitudes in Sudanese participants. CONCLUSION Interventions aiming at improving help-seeking attitudes and behaviors and promoting early access to care need to be culturally tailored, and congruent with public beliefs about mental illnesses and their causations.
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Cucchi A. Integrating Cognitive Behavioural and Islamic Principles in Psychology and Psychotherapy: A Narrative Review. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:4849-4870. [PMID: 35589995 PMCID: PMC9119255 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Standardisation of knowledge has become a by-product of globalisation, and western-based models are often seen as the ultimate answer to expertise and development. In light of this, some professionals have debated the feasibility of employing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with Muslim communities. Debates have focused on CBT's secular roots and its compatibility with a world where Islam permeates most aspects of life. This article highlights some of the theoretical dilemmas of integration and suggests ways to bridge the existing gap between secular and Islamic literature and avoid alienating those individuals who might feel uncomfortable with secular CBT teachings.
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Abu-Ras W, Birani A, Suarez ZE, Arfken CL. Palestinian Muslim College Students' Attitudes to Mental Health Treatment: A Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16005. [PMID: 36498076 PMCID: PMC9740442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the association between the degree of religiosity, combined with cultural beliefs, social stigmas, and attitudes towards mental-health treatment in two groups, who, despite having similar cultural and religious affiliation, have experienced different socio-political contexts: Palestinian Muslim college students living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Israel. The study was guided by Tanhan and Young's (2021) conceptual framework. Methods: A snowball recruitment strategy was applied, using a cross-sectional survey. A total sample size was 214 students, 105 from the OPT and 109 from Israel. Results indicate that students from the OPT (n = 105) did not differ from those living in Israel (n = 109) on religiosity using the Islamic Belief scale, or Attitudes Towards Mental Health treatment (F(1, 189) = 1.07, p = 0.30). However, students from the OPT had higher confidence in mental-health professionals (M = 15.33) than their counterparts (M = 14.59), and women had higher confidence (M = 16.03) than men (M = 13.90). The reliance on traditions for Muslim students over Western mental-health approaches is a critical factor in predicting the attitudes towards students' mental problems and their chosen treatment. Sociopolitical context played a significant role in shaping attitudes toward mental-health providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahiba Abu-Ras
- School of Social Work, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
| | - Amir Birani
- Clinical Social Work, Therapist Daliyat AL-Karmel, Daliyat Al-Karmel 3005600, Israel
| | - Zulema E. Suarez
- School of Social Work, Loyola University, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Cynthia L. Arfken
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Swed S, Sohib S, Fathy Hassan NAI, Almoshantaf MB, Alkadi SMS, AbdelQadir YH, Ibrahim N, Khair LT, Bakkour A, Muwaili AHH, Muwaili DHH, Abdelmajid FAA, Ahmad EMS, Patwary MM, Sawaf B, Albuni MK, Battikh E, Elkalagi NKH. Stigmatizing attitudes towards depression among university students in Syria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273483. [PMID: 36107932 PMCID: PMC9477282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a prominent cause of mental disability globally, having a severe impact on mental and physical health. Depression rehabilitation and treatment, whether through psychiatric management or counseling therapy, is hampered by stigmatizing attitudes regarding psychiatric illness patients impacted by societal and cultural factors. However, little is known about the stigma toward people with depression among the students in Syria. METHODOLOGY A total of 1,056 students in Syria completed a questionnaire that included a case narrative illustrating depression. A total of 1,056 students in Syria completed a questionnaire that included a case narrative illustrating depression. The survey looked at attitudes toward depression, the desire to keep a safe distance from depressed people, stigma attitudes toward people with depression among college students, perceived beliefs about depressive people, gender (male and female), and the major section (medical and medical and non-medical) differences. RESULTS Four questionnaires have refused to finish the survey, out of 1259 issued. Around 47.80% of respondents, most of whom were females, felt that sad people might snap out of it. 14.60 percent believe depression isn't even an actual medical condition. Surprisingly, 2% of respondents with a medical background thought the same thing. Regarding more extreme stigmatization, 16.80% of respondents thought depressed persons were harmful. People with depression will be avoided by 19.50 percent of respondents, and people with medical backgrounds will be avoided by 5.20 percent of respondents. Nearly one-fifth of those polled said they would not tell anyone if they were depressed. Only a tiny percentage of respondents (6.90 percent) said they would not hire or vote for a politician who suffers from depression (8.40 percent). CONCLUSION According to the study, Syrian college students had a significant level of stigma and social distance toward mentally ill patients. Female students and non-medical students had a higher stigma in most subscale items for people with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Sheikh Sohib
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Agyad Bakkour
- Faculty of Medicine, Albaath University, Homs, Syria
| | | | | | | | | | - Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Kulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Bisher Sawaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mhd Kutaiba Albuni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Elias Battikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
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The factors and outcomes of stigma toward mental disorders among medical and nursing students: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:357. [PMID: 35614424 PMCID: PMC9131538 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical and nursing students' attitudes toward mental disorders have a large impact on their working intentions in mental health settings and patients' health outcomes. However, there are few studies about the stigma toward mental disorders among medical and nursing students in China. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 838 medical and nursing students completed questionnaires on their sociodemographic characteristics and familiarity with people diagnosed with mental disorders as well as the Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness Scale (CAMI). The stigma was compared between medical students and nursing students by ANOVA. A multiple logistic regression model was built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, familiarity with mental disorders and stigma. RESULTS The total mean score of the CAMI was 137.61 (SD = 15.63). The score for authoritarianism (M = 33.33, SD = 3.62) was the lowest score of the four subscales. Medical students showed more positive attitudes toward mental disorders than nursing students. However, after controlling the co-variables, the difference disappeared. Stigma was significantly associated with students' education, area of residence, marital status, economic status, history of mental disorders and familiarity with mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS Medical and nursing students show a negative attitude toward mental illness to a certain degree, especially regarding the view that people with mental disorders are inferior. Higher education level, residence in urban areas, single marital status, better economic status, and better familiarity with mental disorders may be related to less stigma among medical and nursing students.
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Abi Hana R, Arnous M, Heim E, Aeschlimann A, Koschorke M, Hamadeh RS, Thornicroft G, Kohrt BA, Sijbrandij M, Cuijpers P, El-Chammay R. Mental health stigma at primary health care centres in Lebanon: qualitative study. Int J Ment Health Syst 2022; 16:23. [PMID: 35525972 PMCID: PMC9077642 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-022-00533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health-related stigma is a global public health concern and a major barrier to seeking care. In this study, we explored the role of stigma as a barrier to scaling up mental health services in primary health care (PHC) centres in Lebanon. We focused on the experiences of Healthcare Providers (HCPs) providing services to patients with mental health conditions (MHCs), the views of policy makers, and the perceptions of stigma or discrimination among individuals with MHCs. This study was conducted as part of INDIGO-PRIMARY, a larger multinational stigma reduction programme. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 45) were carried out with policy makers (n = 3), PHC management (n = 4), PHC staff (n = 24), and service users (SUs) (n = 14) between August 2018 and September 2019. These interviews explored mental health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of staff, challenges of providing treatment, and patient outcomes. All interviews were coded using NVivo and a thematic coding framework. RESULTS The results of this study are presented under three themes: (1) stigma at PHC level, (2) stigma outside PHC centres, and (3) structural stigma. SUs did not testify to discrimination from HCPs but did describe stigmatising behaviour from their families. Interestingly, at the PHC level, stigma reporting differed among staff according to a power gradient. Nurses and social workers did not explicitly report incidents of stigma but described patients with MHCs as uncooperative, underscoring their internalized negative views on mental health. General practitioners and directors were more outspoken than nurses regarding the challenges faced with mental health patients. Mental health professionals revealed that HCPs still hold implicitly negative views towards patients with MHCs however their attitude has improved recently. Our analysis highlights five layers of stigma affecting SUs. CONCLUSION This qualitative study reveals that stigma was still a key concern that affects patients with MHC. SUs reported experiencing overt stigmatising behaviour in the community but less explicit discrimination in a PHC setting. Our findings emphasise the importance of (1) combatting structural stigma through legal reform, (2) addressing interpersonal stigma, (3) committing PHC management to deliver high quality mental health integrated services, and (4) reducing intrapersonal stigma by building public empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racha Abi Hana
- Ministry of Public Health, National Mental Health Programme, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Maguy Arnous
- Ministry of Public Health, National Mental Health Programme, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Eva Heim
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Mirja Koschorke
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England
| | - Randa S Hamadeh
- Primary Healthcare Department at Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
- Global Health Team of Experts (GHTE), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Global Mental Health George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rabih El-Chammay
- Ministry of Public Health, National Mental Health Programme, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Ali S, Elsayed D, Elahi S, Zia B, Awaad R. Predicting rejection attitudes toward utilizing formal mental health services in Muslim women in the US: Results from the Muslims' perceptions and attitudes to mental health study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:662-669. [PMID: 33719665 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211001084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The underutilization of mental health services is a recognized problem for the growing number of Muslims living in the West. Despite their unique mental health risk factors and the pivotal role they play in determining mental health discourse in their families and in society, Muslim women in particular have not received sufficient study. AIM To help remedy this research gap, we examined factors that may impact the rejection attitudes of Muslim women toward professional mental health care using the first psychometrically validated scale of its kind; the M-PAMH (Muslims' Perceptions and Attitudes to Mental Health). METHODS A total of 1,222 Muslim women responded to questions about their cultural and religious beliefs about mental health, stigma associated with mental health, and familiarity with formal mental health services in an anonymous online survey. RESULTS Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that higher religious and cultural beliefs, higher societal stigma, and lower familiarity with professional mental health services were associated with greater rejection attitudes toward professional mental healthcare. The final model was statistically significant, F (5, 1,216) = 73.778; p < .001, and explained 23% of the variance in rejection attitudes with stigma accounting for the most (12.3%) variance, followed by cultural and religious mental health beliefs (6%), and familiarity with mental health services (2.7%). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that although the examined factors contributed significantly to the model, they may not be sufficient in the explanation of Muslim women's rejection attitudes toward mental health services. Future research may explore additional variables, as well as predictive profiles for Muslim women's perceptions and attitudes of mental health based on a combination of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ali
- Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Danah Elsayed
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Belal Zia
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Rania Awaad
- Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
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Awaad R, Abolaban H, Maklad S, Ahmad R, Koopman C. Improving Recruitment for Mental Health Research in Muslim American Women : Research Recruitment in Muslim American Women. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:799-805. [PMID: 34510299 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study determines the methods for improving recruitment of Muslim American women in mental health research. Studying this minority population in more depth will reduce their suffering from mental illness. A 40-item survey, along with cover letter, was hosted on the Stanford University website and sent via email to organizations known to have large Muslim American women populations. Although approximately 200-300 responses were hoped for, an unexpected total of 1279 women completed the survey within days. The effectiveness of this survey was attributed to multiple factors: ease of an online survey, privacy afforded through an anonymous survey, trust in the PI, the survey being hosted by a reputable university and understanding the importance of mental health research. It is important to continue improving methods to recruit the minority Muslim American women population for studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Awaad
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Heba Abolaban
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sara Maklad
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rabeea Ahmad
- University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Cheryl Koopman
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Stigmatizing attitudes and social perception towards mental illness among Moroccan medical students. Encephale 2022; 49:275-283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ghuloum S, Mahfoud ZR, Al-Amin H, Marji T, Kehyayan V. Healthcare Professionals' Attitudes Toward Patients With Mental Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study in Qatar. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:884947. [PMID: 35651821 PMCID: PMC9148967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.884947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative attitudes toward mental illness by Health Care Professionals (HCP) have been reported in many countries across the world. Stigmatizing attitudes by HCP can have adverse consequences on people with mental illness from delays in seeking help to decreased quality of care provided. Assessing such attitudes is an essential step in understanding such stigma and, if needed, developing and testing appropriate and culturally adapted interventions to reduce it. AIMS To assess physicians and nurses attitudes toward mental illness and to determine associated factors with different levels of stigma. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Physicians and Nurses. The Mental Illness Clinician's Attitudes (MICA) scale was used to assess attitudes toward mental illness. MICA scores range between 1 and 6 with higher values indicating higher stigmatizing attitudes. Demographic and work related information were also gathered. Descriptive statistics along with multivariate linear and multivariate logistic regression models were used. RESULTS A total of 406 nurses and 92 doctors participated in the study. The nurses' mean MICA score was significantly higher than that of the physicians. Among nurses, being Asian and working in a geriatric, rehabilitation and long-term care facility were associated with lower MICA scores. Among physicians, being female or graduating more than 1 year ago were also associated with lower MICA scores. CONCLUSION Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with mental illness by healthcare workers are present in Qatar. They are higher among nurses as compared to physicians. Factors associated with higher stigmatizing attitudes could be used in creating appropriate intervention to reduce the magnitude of the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ziyad R Mahfoud
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Al-Rayyan, Qatar
| | - Hassen Al-Amin
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Al-Rayyan, Qatar
| | - Tamara Marji
- Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vahe Kehyayan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Chebbi O, Sassi H, Cheour M. Knowledge, attitude and behaviours toward mental illness and help-seeking in a large nonclinical Tunisian student sample. Early Interv Psychiatry 2021; 15:1292-1305. [PMID: 33300260 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are widespread among students. However, mental health help-seeking remains low. Several reviews and meta-analyses have shown that the main barrier to seeking help from mental health professionals is stigma. This paper aimed to assess stigma in a sample of students, and its association with help-seeking intentions and comfort with disclosing a mental illness. METHOD The 'Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill', the 'Mental Health Knowledge Schedule', and the 'Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale' were administered to a total of 714 college students (62.2% female; mean age = 20.9). RESULTS We found that 43.8% of students agreed that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and willpower, 21.9% did not consider depression as a mental illness, and 39.6% felt that they would be 'unlikely' or 'very unlikely' to seek the help of a health professional for mental health problems. Females had higher scores in help-seeking intentions (p < .001) and knowledge of mental illness (p = .019). Students' age negatively correlated with knowledge (p < .001, r = -.147). Pearson correlations indicated that help-seeking intentions positively correlated with more favourable future intentions of being in contact with a person with a mental illness (p < .001, r = .103) and greater mental health knowledge (p < .001, r = .163); and that comfort with disclosing significantly and negatively correlated with attitudes (p < .001, r = -.125). CONCLUSION To date, few young people see mental health professionals as a preferred source of support, and action is needed to change this perception or reform mental health services to make them more attractive to this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention In Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Tunisia
| | - Ons Chebbi
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention In Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Tunisia
| | - Hadhami Sassi
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention In Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Tunisia
| | - Majda Cheour
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention In Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, Tunisia
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Mental Illness Stigma and Associated Factors among Arabic-Speaking Religious and Community Leaders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157991. [PMID: 34360281 PMCID: PMC8345608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that Arabic-speaking refugees in Australia seek help from informal sources, including religious and community leaders, when experiencing mental health issues. Despite their significant influence, there is scarce research exploring attitudes of Arabic-speaking leaders toward mental illness. The current exploratory study explored mental illness stigma and various factors among Arabic-speaking religious and community leaders. This study uses a subset of data from an evaluation trial of mental health literacy training for Arabic-speaking religious and community leaders. Our dataset contains the pre-intervention survey responses for 52 Arabic-speaking leaders (69.2% female; mean age = 47.1, SD = 15.3) on the ability to recognise a mental disorder, beliefs about causes for developing mental illness, and two stigma measures, personal stigma, and social distance. Being female was associated with a decrease in personal stigma. An increase in age was associated with an increase in personal stigma. Correct recognition of a mental disorder was associated with decreased personal stigma, and after adjusting for age and gender, significance was retained for the I-would-not-tell-anyone subscale. Endorsing the cause “being a person of weak character” was associated with an increase in personal stigma. There is an urgent need for future research to elucidate stigma to develop effective educational initiatives for stigma reduction among Arabic-speaking leaders.
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Alharbi H, Farrand P, Laidlaw K. Understanding the beliefs and attitudes towards mental health problems held by Muslim communities and acceptability of cognitive behavioural therapy as a treatment: systematic review and thematic synthesis protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044865. [PMID: 34145011 PMCID: PMC8215244 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many barriers prevent Muslims' accessing mental health services, the aim of this systematic review is to gain an understanding regarding these barriers and consider how they vary across different Muslim communities resident in different countries. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Index Islamicus databases for studies published in English in addition to the Saudi Digital Library for studies published in Arabic. The review will include quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies published in peer-review journals since 1980. Methodological quality and risk of bias of included papers will be critically appraised independently according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic synthesis will be used to extract outcome and analyse data from studies included in the review. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION There are considered to be no ethical issues. Findings will be disseminated in both English and Arabic to clinicians and researchers via journal publication and conference presentation(s). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020192854.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Alharbi
- Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR) Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul Farrand
- Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR) Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ken Laidlaw
- Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR) Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Kehyayan V, Mahfoud Z, Ghuloum S, Marji T, Al-Amin H. Internalized Stigma in Persons With Mental Illness in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:685003. [PMID: 34178932 PMCID: PMC8232048 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.685003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stigma impacts persons with mental illness (PWMI), their families and network of friends, the public and health care professionals. Stigma is a major barrier for PWMI to seeking treatment, which contributes to the burden of disease, disability, and mortality. Research on stigma is relatively scant in the Middle East region and particularly in Qatar. To address stigma effectively in each culture, it is essential to study its nature in the context where the PWMI experience stigma. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of internalized stigma in PWMI in Qatar. A cross-sectional study of PWMI receiving outpatient mental health services in Qatar was done. We interviewed 417 PWMI using a modified 18-item version of the short form of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale. Descriptive and regression models were used to analyze the data. The Cronbach alpha for the modified 18-items ISMI was 0.87. Participants' average score on this scale was 2.07 ± 0.38 with 41 (9.8%) of them scoring more than 2.5 which is considered “high” stigma score. In multivariate logistic regression, high stigma (modified ISMI score >2.5) was significantly higher among PWMI with no formal education and among those who reported lower levels of social support. The reported levels of internalized stigma in this vulnerable population of Qatar fall at the lower spectrum reported worldwide. An anti-stigma education program designed for the context of Qatar emphasizing on education and support for PWMI may be conducive to creating an all-inclusive society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Kehyayan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad Mahfoud
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhaila Ghuloum
- Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tamara Marji
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassen Al-Amin
- Department of Population Health Science, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar and Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Abuhammad S, Al-Natour A. Mental health stigma: the effect of religiosity on the stigma perceptions of students in secondary school in Jordan toward people with mental illnesses. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06957. [PMID: 34027165 PMCID: PMC8121972 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Mental health disorders in many countries are regarded as taboo and are often concealed. This study aimed to (a) explore students in secondary school' stigma perceptions of mental disorder; (b) examine whether there is a connection between religiosity and stigma toward people with mental illnesses; and (c) identify stigma correlates for stigma perceptions toward people with mental illnesses based on the religiosity and demographic features of the students. METHOD A cross-sectional correlational study was undertaken among 357 students from two high schools. The participants completed a structured research instrument that consisted of (1) a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, (2) a religiosity questionnaire and (3) a devaluation-discrimination scale. RESULTS The regression model was able to forecast a moderate percentage of stigma perception variance (F = 4.74, p = .01). Gender was the only important correlate in the model at p = .05. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study found that among students in secondary school in Jordan there is an association between religiosity and stigma toward mental disorders. This result implies that there is a need to increase policy maker information about the importance of applying religious principles to decrease stigma and enhance a positive non-stigmatizing attitude toward mental disorders. Moreover, improving the curriculum content concerning the problems associated with mental ill health may allow students to gain a more precise understanding of mental disorders more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Abuhammad
- College of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ahlam Al-Natour
- College of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
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Selmo P, Knaevelsrud C, Mohamad N, Rehm J. Prevalence and predictors of psychopathology in the war-afflicted Syrian population. Transcult Psychiatry 2021; 58:226-238. [PMID: 32631139 DOI: 10.1177/1363461520937931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Research on the psychological impact of war on affected populations is important for the planning and provision of interventions. However, most studies that address the effects of political violence have been restricted to Western countries, and even after six years of civil war in Syria, there has been no study addressing its psychological impact on the general population. The present study used an online survey to examine the level of psychological symptoms and correlates of distress in a sample of 387 subjects from different areas of Syria. We used t-tests to compare symptoms across zones with different levels of war activity, and multiple regression models to identify predictors of distress. Results indicate a high level of psychological distress indicative of psychopathology in all regions across the country. Rates were higher in areas with more intensive exposure ('hot' zones). Greater symptom severity was associated with living in a hot zone, female gender, older age, the number of potentially traumatic events, daily stressors, and (low) perceived feeling of safety; whereas social support, religiosity, and religious coping were associated with lower levels of symptoms. The elevated levels of mental health problems and direct relation between the level of exposure to violence and poorer mental health point to the need for mental health services. Reducing daily stressors and ensuring safety could contribute significantly to better mental health, although this does not replace the need for evidence-based psychotherapy. The planning and delivery of psychological interventions by NGOs should be informed by issues related to stigma, lack of understanding and acceptance of psychological care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Technische Universität Dresden
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31
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Idris AB, Abdulrahim R, Al-Mamari W, Shih A, Kantaris M. A SWOT analysis of parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: Oman as a Regional Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 68:773-780. [PMID: 36210904 PMCID: PMC9542413 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1895700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism in the Arabian Gulf region is on the rise leading to overstretching of the pre-existing intervention services. The World Health Organization Caregiver Skills Training Program is a novel renovation being studied around the globe to overcome the scarcity of resources, improve autistic children's outcome and empower parents with comparable results to therapist-based models. Recently, Oman achieved great success in advocating for autism and initiated the first screening program for autism in the region. This review aims to use a Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis matrix to investigate the potential for using a parent-mediated intervention program as a supplementary approach to the currently used therapist-based intervention model in the country as an example for Gulf region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B. Idris
- Developmental Unit, Child Health Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - Reem Abdulrahim
- Department of Genetic, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - Watfa Al-Mamari
- Developmental Unit, Child Health Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - Andy Shih
- Senior Vice President, Public Health and Inclusion, Autism Speaks
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Elyamani R, Naja S, Al-Dahshan A, Hamoud H, Bougmiza MI, Alkubaisi N. Mental health literacy in Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245156. [PMID: 33411793 PMCID: PMC7790272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health literacy (MHL) has been relatively neglected, despite the increase of mental health illnesses worldwide, as well as within the Middle East region. A low level of MHL may hinder public acceptance of evidence-based mental health care. Aim This systematic review aims to identify and appraise existing research, focusing on MHL among adults in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, and Medline) was carried out from database inception to July 2019, in order to identify peer-reviewed journal articles that investigated MHL in the GCC countries. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were: cross-sectional studies, reported in English, targeted adults (aged 18 and above), conducted in any of the GCC countries, include at least one outcome measure of the main components of MHL: knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatment, stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illnesses, and seeking help for self and offering help. Results A total of 27 studies (16,391 participants) were included. The outcome across studies varied due to disparity in the tested populations. Findings show that limited MHL was observed among participants, even health care professionals. Results also show a high cumulative level of stigma and negative attitude towards mental health illness in the public. Negative beliefs and inappropriate practices are common, as well. The majority of studies yielded a moderate to high risk of bias. Conclusion This work indicates that research on MHL must be tackled through well-designed large-scale studies of the public. Campaigns to promote early identification and treatment of mental illness is also encouraged to improve overall level of MHL in the general population of the GCC region. Registration number: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018104492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowaida Elyamani
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail: (RE); (AAD)
| | - Sarah Naja
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman Al-Dahshan
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail: (RE); (AAD)
| | - Hamed Hamoud
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Workforce Training, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora Alkubaisi
- Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Workforce Training, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Gabra RH, Ebrahim OS, Osman DMM, Al-Attar GST. Knowledge, attitude and health-seeking behavior among family caregivers of mentally ill patients at Assiut University Hospitals: a cross-sectional study. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-020-0015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Mental illness is associated with misunderstanding and unfavorable attitude worldwide. The belief in its spiritual nature made traditional healers the main service consultants for mentally ill patients. The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted among 425 main family caregivers of mentally ill patients at Assiut University Hospital. The objective of the study was to assess the caregivers’ knowledge and attitude towards mental illness as well as their health-seeking behavior for their mentally ill relatives.
Results
The studied caregivers had low scores of knowledge and attitude towards mental illness. Age of the caregivers, their education, and the type of first consulted care and aggressive behavior of the mentally ill relatives were the significant predictors of caregivers’ knowledge and attitude towards mental illness. The majority of caregivers (80.2%) sought advice for the first time from traditional healers. Traditional healers referred only 16.4% of caregivers’ mentally ill relatives to psychiatric care.
Conclusion
The studied caregivers had poor knowledge and a negative attitude towards mental illness. Traditional healers were the main consulted care. So, increasing awareness of mental illness is highly recommended.
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Alasmee N, Hasan AA. Primary caregivers experience of anti-psychotic medication: A qualitative study. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2020; 34:520-528. [PMID: 33280675 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of schizophrenia is now shifted to the community setting and family caregivers are the primary caregivers. Managing medications is a complex responsibility of family caregivers caring for patients with mental illness. Medication compliance contributes to improve health outcomes and reduced hospitalization for the care service users; however, little is known about attitudes and perception of family caregivers. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore family caregivers experience towards antipsychotic medications. METHODS A purposeful sampling of 21 family caregivers was included in the study. Semi-structured interview was employed to collect data from the participants between May and October 2015. Thematic analysis approach was used to identify the common pattern in the data. RESULTS Four main themes emerged from the study: insight into illness (poor understanding of illness), treatment factor (thinking about medication, poor guidance for medication compliance), resources and support (availability of medication and cost of medication), health care provider factors (communication gap and poor assessment with follow-up, social dysfunction (social isolation, disruption in life routine) of the primary caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Responsibility for providing care for patients with mental illness are taken place in the community setting and cared by family caregivers. More information resources are required for this role, which requires specific medication management skills and knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nofaa Alasmee
- Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Alhamra District, Palestine Street, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abd Alhadi Hasan
- Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Alhamra District, Palestine Street, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Ebrahim OS, Al-Attar GST, Gabra RH, Osman DMM. Stigma and burden of mental illness and their correlates among family caregivers of mentally ill patients. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2020; 95:31. [PMID: 33164132 PMCID: PMC7649189 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-020-00059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives Family caregivers play a curial role in supporting and caring for their mentally ill relatives. Their struggle for facing stigma and shouldering caregiving burden is marginalized, undervalued, and invisible to medical services. This study assessed the stigma and burden of mental illnesses, and their correlates among family caregivers of mentally ill patients. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 425 main family caregivers of mentally ill patients at Assiut University Hospital. A structured interview questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic data of both patients and their caregivers. Stigma scale for caregivers of people with mental illness (CPMI) was used to assess the affiliate stigma, while the associative stigma was assessed by the explanatory model interview catalogue stigma scale (EMIC-Stigma scale). The caregivers’ burden was assessed using Zarit burden Interview, and Modified Attitude toward Mental Illness Questionnaire was used to assess caregivers’ knowledge and attitude towards mental illness. Results Bipolar disorder (48%) and schizophrenia/other related psychotic disorders (42.8%) were the most common mental illnesses among the study patients. The mean scores of CPMI total scale, EMIC-Stigma scale, and Zarit Burden scale were 56.80 ± 7.99, 13.81 ± 5.42, and 55.20 ± 9.82, respectively. The significant correlates for affiliate stigma were being parents of patients (ß = 4.529, p < 0.001), having higher associate stigma (ß = 0.793, p < 0.001), and aggressive behavior of mentally ill patients (ß = 1.343, p = 0.038). The significant correlates for associate stigma of the study caregivers were being caregivers’ relatives other than parents (ß = 1.815, p = 0.006), having high affiliate stigma (ß = 0.431, p < 0.001), having poor knowledge and negative attitude towards mental illness (ß = − 0.158, p = 0.002), and aggressive behavior of mentally ill relatives (ß = 1.332, p = 0.005). The correlates for the high burden were being male (ß = 3.638, p = 0.006), non-educated caregiver (ß = 1.864, p = 0.045), having high affiliate stigma (ß = 0.467, p < 0.001), having high associative stigma (ß = 0.409, p < 0.001), having poor knowledge and negative attitude toward mental illness (ß = − 0.221, p = 0.021), seeking traditional healers and non-psychiatrist’s care from the start (ß = 2.378, p = 0.018), and caring after young mentally ill relatives (ß = − 0.136, p = 0.003). Conclusion The studied caregivers suffered from stigma and a high level of burden. Psycho-educational programs directed toward family caregivers are highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omnya S Ebrahim
- Department of Community, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt.
| | - Ghada S T Al-Attar
- Department of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Romany H Gabra
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa M M Osman
- Department of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Nasrallah C, Kimmel L, Khaled SM. Associations between weight loss difficulty, disordered eating behaviors and poor weight loss outcomes in Arab female university students. Eat Behav 2020; 36:101363. [PMID: 31972513 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the impact of eating behaviors on weight management efforts among college students in non-Western settings. This study aimed to explore the relationship between eating behaviors, weight loss outcomes, and perceived weight loss difficulties (PWLD) among young Arab women trying to lose weight. A cross-sectional probability sample was used to recruit female university students aged 18 years and older in the state of Qatar. Participants (N = 937) completed an online survey measuring their attitudes and behaviors towards healthy eating, body image, and weight loss. More than two third (67.2%) reported facing difficulties when trying to lose weight and around one-third (31.2%) screened positive for disordered eating. Chi-squared and logistic regression analyses showed a strong and independent association between unsuccessful weight loss including lack of weight loss or maintenance after weight loss attempts, and PWLD (OR 8.6, p = .002). In addition, eating meals a few hours before sleeping (OR 1.98; p = .02) and having disordered eating (OR 2.28; p = .02) were positively associated with PWLD. BMI, weight loss goal and skipping breakfast were not associated with PWLD after adjustment for all covariates. Future studies are needed to develop better tools to comprehensively assess PWLD and validate against short- and long-term measured weight loss outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Nasrallah
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Linda Kimmel
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Salma M Khaled
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Alsubaie S, Almathami M, Alkhalaf H, Aboulyazid A, Abuhegazy H. A Survey on Public Attitudes Toward Mental Illness and Mental Health Services Among Four Cities in Saudi Arabia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2467-2477. [PMID: 33149588 PMCID: PMC7603407 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s265872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objectives are to assess the public attitude toward mentally ill people and mental health services and to compare the attitudes of those who have past history of mental illness, those who have been exposed to mentally ill people, and those who have not. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among subjects (n=1268) in four Saudi Arabian cities (Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, and Jizan), recruiting participants from malls and parks. All participants were administered "the knowledge and attitudes toward mental illness and mental health services scale". RESULTS Participants were divided into three groups; non-exposed to mental illness group (n=687, 54.1%), exposed to mental illness group (n=305, 24%), and having past history of mental illness group (n=276, 21.8%). Results revealed that non-exposed group had the lowest knowledge about mental illness (p <0.001). Exposed group had the best attitude toward mentally ill people (p=0.002), mental health services (p< 0.001), the lowest impact of traditional beliefs (p<0.001), and the best help-seeking decisions (p = 0.001). Regression models show the variables that predicted attitude toward the mentally ill were the attitude toward mental health services (p=0.001), impact of traditional beliefs (p=0.001), and residency (p=0.04). The predictors of attitude toward mental health services were impact of traditional beliefs (p<0.001), knowledge (p<0.001), and residency (p=0.028). And the variables that account for predicting future decisions were impact of traditional beliefs (p<0.001), attitude toward mental health services (p=0.001), and having past history of mental illness (p=0.006). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates significant differences in attitudes toward mental illness among different groups of participants. Lesser impact of traditional beliefs and better knowledge about mental illness were the factors most associated with better attitudes toward mentally ill people and mental health services and with better help-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Alsubaie
- Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Hospital, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Almathami
- Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Hospital, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanouf Alkhalaf
- Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Aboulyazid
- Preventive Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia.,Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hesham Abuhegazy
- Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Hospital, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia.,Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Merhej R. Stigma on mental illness in the Arab world: beyond the socio-cultural barriers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTH CARE 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhrh-03-2019-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Research on mental illness stigma in the Arab world has traditionally focused on socio-cultural barriers that deprive persons with mental illness from their fundamental human right for privacy and informed consent. The purpose of this paper is to address the question whether or not mental health legislations in a number of Arab countries effectively safeguard the human rights of people with mental illness and protect them from stigmatizing and discriminatory practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative review of literature was performed over two rounds of search, targeting published research on mental illness stigma in the Arab world from year 2000 until now and existing national mental health legislations in the Arab world, using English and Arabic databases.
Findings
The review reveals that beyond society and culture, persistence of mental illness stigma in the Arab world may be explained by absent or inefficient monitoring mechanisms of mental health legislations and policies within the health-care setting. Although integration of mental health services into the primary health care system is being gradually implemented as a step toward de-stigmatization of mental illness, more remains to be done to change the stigmatizing behavior of the health personnel toward mental illness.
Originality/value
Mental health authorities in the Arab world need to be more aware of the public perceptions explaining people’s fear and reluctance to seek mental health care, so as to ensure that the control and monitoring mechanisms at both the primary and mental health care levels foster a human rights, culturally competent, patient-friendly and non-stigmatizing model of mental health care.
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Al-Dousari M, Prior S. Islamic faith as a facilitator for accessing counselling: the experience of three Kuwaiti clients. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2019.1651823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mounira Al-Dousari
- Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Seamus Prior
- Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Sopaul T. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Families Affected by Autism in Dubai. DUBAI MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1159/000501770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
<b><i>Background:</i></b> The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the Middle East region is suggested to be comparable with rates reported in the Western World; however, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), autism is under-diagnosed and over-looked. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> This qualitative study based in Dubai, UAE, aimed to explore personal experiences of autism and investigate the decision-making process of parents. A focus group interview with 6 UAE national mothers who have an autistic child was conducted; the semi-structured interview was audio-recorded and transcribed. <b><i>Method:</i></b> Interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed on the interview transcript and 3 main themes emerged: Education, Support and Social Stigma. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The research concluded that the majority of mothers are primary caregivers and the challenges faced by autistic families include: a lack of understanding and research; family reputation; stigma-associated discrimination; and maternal stress. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Mothers with autistic children experience a number of stressors and would benefit from educational workshops, including ASD-specific training. A call for further investigation into the role and impact of maids as primary caregivers for autistic children in the UAE is advocated.
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Abolfotouh MA, Almutairi AF, Almutairi Z, Salam M, Alhashem A, Adlan AA, Modayfer O. Attitudes toward mental illness, mentally ill persons, and help-seeking among the Saudi public and sociodemographic correlates. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2019; 12:45-54. [PMID: 30679929 PMCID: PMC6338115 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s191676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been reported that the majority of individuals with mental illnesses (MIs) do not seek help. Few studies have focused on correlates of a positive attitude toward professional help-seeking for MI. This study aimed to determine levels of knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward MI, determine attitudes toward mental health help-seeking, and identify sociodemographic predictors of correct knowledge and favorable attitudes among the Saudi public. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 650 Saudi adults aged >18 years who attended the Saudi Jenadriyah annual cultural and heritage festival during February 2016. The previously validated Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire was used. Attitude to professional help-seeking was also assessed, using a tool retrieved from the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview part II. Multiple regression analyses were applied, and statistical significance considered at P<0.05. Results The majority of the Saudi public reported lack of knowledge about the nature of MI (87.5%, percentage mean score [PMS] 45.02±19.98), negative perception (59%, PMS 59.76±9.16), negative attitudes to MI (66.5%, PMS 65.86±7.77), and negative attitudes to professional help-seeking (54.5%, PMS 62.45±8.54). Marital status was a predictor of knowledge (t=-3.12, P=0.002), attitudes to MI (t=2.93, P=0.003), and attitudes to help-seeking (t=2.20, P=0.03). Attitudes to help-seeking were also predicted by sex (t=-2.72, P=0.007), employment (t=3.05, P=0.002), and monthly income (t=2.79, P=0.005). Perceptions toward the mentally ill were not predicted by these socioeconomic characteristics (P>0.05). Conclusion The Saudi public reported lack of knowledge of MI and stigmatizing attitudes toward people with MI in relation to treatment, work, marriage, and recovery and toward professional help-seeking. Sociodemographic characteristics predicted correct knowledge and favorable attitudes, while Saudi culture was the likely factor behind negative judgments about mentally ill persons. Efforts to challenge this negative publicity and stigma through antistigma campaigns and public education through schools and media are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Abolfotouh
- Research Training and Development Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
| | - Adel F Almutairi
- Science and Technology Unit, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Almutairi
- Stem Cells Donor Registry, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Salam
- Science and Technology Unit, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Alhashem
- Research Training and Development Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
| | - Abdallah A Adlan
- Bioethics Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center/King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Modayfer
- Division of Mental Health, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Vally Z, Cody BL, Albloshi MA, Alsheraifi SNM. Public stigma and attitudes toward psychological help-seeking in the United Arab Emirates: The mediational role of self-stigma. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2018; 54:571-579. [PMID: 29667204 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Scholars argue that public stigma is predictive of self-stigma, and self-stigma is a primary predictor of attitudes toward seeking psychological help (ATPH). This assertion remains undetermined outside of the United States. This study examines a potential mediational model in which internalized stigma was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between public stigma and ATPH using a sample in the United Arab Emirates. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional, correlational design; 114 students completed measures of public stigma, self-stigma, and ATPH. FINDINGS Full mediation occurred. The sample exhibited high levels of both public stigma and self-stigma. Psychology students manifested diminished levels of stigma and more favorable ATPH. Results are discussed in relation to the prevalent cultural and contextual factors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Stigma reduction campaigns in this locale should target internalized stigma and its associated socio-cultural nuances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahir Vally
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Brettjet L Cody
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Maryam A Albloshi
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Safeya N M Alsheraifi
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
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Zolezzi M, Alamri M, Shaar S, Rainkie D. Stigma associated with mental illness and its treatment in the Arab culture: A systematic review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018; 64:597-609. [PMID: 30019976 DOI: 10.1177/0020764018789200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health has not had the same public profile as physical health. This has contributed to the stigma associated with mental illness and to its treatments. Research investigating how the traditions and values amongst those with an Arab heritage contribute to stigmatizing beliefs, attitudes or actions in the provision of mental healthcare has not been widely reported. AIM To systematically review the literature and summarize the findings of studies reporting stigmatizing beliefs, actions and attitudes toward treatment of people with mental illness in the Arab population. METHODS PubMed, Ovid, Psycharticles and Embase were used to identify original studies of non-institutionalized Arab adults or children reporting findings relevant to stigma toward mental illness. A manual search of the bibliography of all selected original studies was also undertaken. Independent data extraction was performed by two reviewers, who then met to compare data and reach consensus. Findings were classified as stigmatizing beliefs, actions or attitudes toward mental health treatments. RESULTS A total of 33 articles were retrieved for full review. Those utilizing qualitative methodology provided insight into the many ways mental illness is viewed and defined among those with an Arab heritage. Among the studies using quantitative methodology, most compared stigmatizing beliefs, attitudes toward mental health treatments or stigmatizing actions among different Arab populations, some also investigated correlations between characteristics of the Arab population tested with stigmatizing beliefs, actions and attitudes toward mental health treatments. Findings from studies undertaken in Qatar reported greater stigmatizing beliefs, actions or attitudes toward mental health treatments among Qatari versus non-Qatari Arabs. CONCLUSION A large diversity in the stigmatizing beliefs, actions and attitudes toward treatment of mental illness within the Arab population were identified. The influence of cultural variations on stigma should be explored further and used to tailor anti-stigma interventions in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maha Alamri
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahd Shaar
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Abd Alhadi H. Determinant of treatment delay in the first episode of psychosis: a qualitative study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.15406/jpcpy.2018.09.00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Al Alawi M, Al Sinawi H, Al Qasabi AM, Al Mamari AM, Panchatcharam SM, Al-Adawi S. Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among attendees of a tertiary care dermatology clinic in Muscat, Oman. Int J Dermatol 2018; 57:284-290. [PMID: 29369339 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various studies have suggested that depression is more prevalent among patients with skin disorders than in the general population. Most of the studies addressing this subject involve Euro-American populations. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with dermatological disorders and, then, to decipher the clinical-demographic factors associated with depressive symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among a random sample of patients attending a dermatology clinic in Muscat. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depressive symptoms. A logistic regression model was used to find the adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS A total of 260 patients participated in this study, with a response rate of 81%. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 24%. According to regression analysis, family history of depression, comorbid medical disorders, and treatment with topicals or isotretinoin were significant predictors of depression (OR = 9.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.27-39.05, P = 0.002; OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.21, P = 0.05; OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.09-4.76, P = 0.028; and OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.08-7.19, P = 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION This study indicates that depressive symptoms are common among patients with dermatological disorders in Oman, particularly in those with a family history of depression and medical comorbidities, and those who use a specific dermatological medication. Screening for depression in patients attending dermatology clinics is essential in order to detect and promptly treat patients suffering from depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al Alawi
- Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman.,Department of Behavioral Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hamed Al Sinawi
- Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman.,Department of Behavioral Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | | | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Sorketti EA, Zuraida NZ, Habil MH. Pathways to mental healthcare in high-income and low-income countries. Int Psychiatry 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/s1749367600003775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the way in which people seek care for mental disorders is important for planning services, training and referral mechanisms. Pathways to care fall broadly into three categories: via primary care physicians; via native healers; and via patient choice (patients can have direct access to mental health professionals). The pattern and nature of access to service in low-income countries are different from those in high-income countries. In many societies, deep-seated cultural beliefs on the part of patients and families about the causes of mental disorders are a major barrier to the receipt of modern psychiatric care.
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Abstract
The Sultanate of Oman is located in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a distinctive history and subcultures. Its seafaring tradition has endowed the country with various ethnic and linguistic groups, with Arabic being a dominant language and Ibadhi being the dominant sect of Islam (Al-Nami, 1971). Oman in the 1970s saw rapid development, triggered by the discovery of oil, which took place under enlightened new political leadership.
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Lim A, Hoek HW, Ghane S, Deen M, Blom JD. The Attribution of Mental Health Problems to Jinn: An Explorative Study in a Transcultural Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:89. [PMID: 29643820 PMCID: PMC5882841 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among Muslim patients, a common cultural concept of distress is the notion that jinn may be the cause of mental health problems, especially in the presence of hallucinations. OBJECTIVE This study examines the frequency with which this attribution style is manifest in a specific psychiatric outpatient population with a Muslim background. METHODS Of all patients registered at an outpatient clinic specialized in transcultural psychiatry, data were collected on folk belief, religion, hallucinations (if present), and medical diagnosis. Through a search in the electronic medical files, the notes made during the first contact and first psychiatric examination were screened for the keywords "evil eye," "magic," "voodoo," and "jinn." In addition, new eligible cases were accepted. RESULTS From all 551 patients thus screened, 118 were eligible for participation. Of these, 49 (41.5%) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among them, 21 (43%) were positive that their psychiatric symptoms were caused by jinn, whereas 13 (27%) thought not, and 15 (31%) were in doubt. No less than 87.2% had experienced hallucinations during their lives. Among the relatively large proportion of eligible patients who did not participate (58.5%), many expressed a fear for stigmatization or metaphysical repercussions if they spoke about jinn. CONCLUSION The phenomenon of attributing mental health symptoms to jinn was much more common in this population of Muslim patients than previously assumed. This underscores the need for proper knowledge of Muslim explanatory models of disease and for the use of culturally sensitive interviewing techniques in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Lim
- i-psy Intercultural Psychiatry, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Parnassia Academy, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands.,Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Dutch Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans W Hoek
- i-psy Intercultural Psychiatry, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Parnassia Academy, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatric Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samrad Ghane
- i-psy Intercultural Psychiatry, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Equator Foundation, Diemen, Netherlands
| | - Mathijs Deen
- Parnassia Academy, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands.,Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Dirk Blom
- Parnassia Academy, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands.,Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Makowski AC, von dem Knesebeck O. Depression stigma and migration - results of a survey from Germany. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:381. [PMID: 29187164 PMCID: PMC5707908 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are barely any studies focusing on migration in relation to mental illness stigma. We explore present attitudes regarding depression among migrants (either born in Germany or born abroad) and non-migrants in Germany, drawing upon three components of public stigma: stereotypes, emotional reactions and desire for social distance. Furthermore, differences in self-stigma of depression between the two groups are analyzed. METHODS Analyses are based on a representative telephone survey (N = 2013) in Germany. Respondents were presented with a vignette depicting either someone from Turkey or from Germany affected by depression, followed by questions on stereotypes, emotional reactions and desire for social distance. The (anticipated) self-stigma of depression was also assessed. Analyses of variance tested for differences between migrant and non-migrant respondents, stratified by migrant status in the vignette. RESULTS Regarding the depression vignette depicting a non-migrant, there were only few differences between subgroups. However, when presented with a vignette describing someone from Turkey, respondents with migrant background who were foreign-born expressed greater stigmatizing attitudes, e.g. when it comes to stereotypes or desire for social distance. Furthermore, this subsample displayed higher levels of self-stigma of depression, especially regarding the ascription of own responsibility. CONCLUSIONS The results underline the need to incorporate migration status/ethnicity in stigma research. Differences in attitudes as well as in (anticipated) self-stigma of depression identify foreign-born migrants in Germany as important target groups for tailored anti-stigma interventions, which need to consider diverse cultural backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Makowski
- Department of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf von dem Knesebeck
- Department of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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Hasan AA, Musleh M. Barriers to Seeking Early Psychiatric Treatment amongst First-episode Psychosis Patients: A Qualitative Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2017; 38:669-677. [PMID: 28485998 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1317307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to explore the family members' determinant of the delay in seeking psychiatric care to patients diagnosed with psychosis. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out with twenty-seven family members of patients with psychosis at psychiatric outpatient clinics in Amman, Jordan. RESULTS The findings revealed that perceived stigma and fears about being labelled are the main barriers to requesting early psychiatric health care. The participants cited many different reasons linked to finding help led to delay in seeking help in the early stages of the illness including misattribution of the cause and symptoms of mental illness, family and financial factors. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the importance of enhancing knowledge about the schizophrenia-related spectrum to ensure patients seek treatment in a more timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abd Alhadi Hasan
- a Nursing Department , Dr Soliman Fakeeh College of Nursing and Medical Sciences , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Musleh
- b Nursing Department , Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
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