Sunera M Fernando1, Frank P Deane2, Hamish J McLeod3. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 2. Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia. 3. Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental health stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment. AIMS: To describe perceived stigma experienced by patients and carers in Sri Lanka and to determine the effects of stigma on help-seeking delay. METHODS: Survey of outpatients and family carers (n = 118 dyads) attending two psychiatric hospitals in Sri Lanka, using the Disclosure and Discrimination subscales of the Stigma Scale. RESULTS: Stigma was positively related to help-seeking delay for carers but not patients. Public stigma experienced by carers accounted for 23% of the variance in help-seeking delay. CONCLUSION: Reducing stigma may reduce help-seeking delays during the course of treatment.
BACKGROUND: Mental health stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment. AIMS: To describe perceived stigma experienced by patients and carers in Sri Lanka and to determine the effects of stigma on help-seeking delay. METHODS: Survey of outpatients and family carers (n = 118 dyads) attending two psychiatric hospitals in Sri Lanka, using the Disclosure and Discrimination subscales of the Stigma Scale. RESULTS: Stigma was positively related to help-seeking delay for carers but not patients. Public stigma experienced by carers accounted for 23% of the variance in help-seeking delay. CONCLUSION: Reducing stigma may reduce help-seeking delays during the course of treatment.