Factors contributing to mental health stigma among Saudi medical practitioners

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that contribute to stigmas held by mental health practitioners about people with mental health issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was adopted to collect data from one focus group discussion comprised of six healthcare practitioners representing different aspects of health provision. Data were analysed using Nvivi.10 thematic content analysis, and major themes were identified. Participants also complete a demographic data sheet. This study was conducted in February 2018 at the medical city in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Findings

The focus group discussed the stigmas they held about people with mental health issues and the factors they perceived as heightening their prejudices. Factors identified included professional experiences, the media and community. Practitioners working in mental healthcare are vulnerable to developing stigmas about people with mental health problems. This research has begun to explore the factors that contribute to this phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

The participants were drawn from several different mental healthcare providers, so attitudes expressed cannot be generalised.

Practical implications

Practitioners healthcare providers of all types including clinical practitioners, administrators and programme planners have a duty to confront the stigma of mental health among the community and healthcare providers, by expanding the volume of academic literature being authored, improving continuing professional education and enhancing employment opportunities in that sector.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this study were mainly applicable to the professional mental health team, educator of healthcare practitioners, clinical practitioners, community mental healthcare services and research related to this topic, especially for improved ethical and professional values for healthcare providers and enlightenment of society as a whole.

Citation

Alyousef, S.M. and Alhamidi, S.A. (2019), "Factors contributing to mental health stigma among Saudi medical practitioners", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 96-105. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-08-2017-0051