[Structural stigma in mental health care for deaf and hard of hearing people: the perspectives of care users and caregivers]. / Structureel stigma in ggz voor doven en slechthorenden: perspectief van cliënten en zorgverleners.

BACKGROUND: Deaf and hard of hearing (DHOH) people have an increased risk of serious mental health (MH) problems, while experiencing major barriers accessing MH care (MHC). Deaf stigma, i.e., the non-recognition of the target group and exclusion as a result, is related to mental wellbeing and access to MHC. AIM: To explore accessibility barriers of DHOH people in MHC, from the perspective of care users and caregivers. METHOD: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with nine DHOH people and nine professionals in Flanders, Belgium. RESULTS: The accumulation of deaf stigma during the life course contributed to self-stigmatization and psychological vulnerability and impeded entry into MHC. When DHOH people sought help, they experienced inadequacy of care. Although caregivers act from the intention of providing inclusive services, they experienced little awareness and knowledge of perceived barriers. They indicated that foreign good practices provide insight into culturally sensitive and language-appropriate tailored care. DHOD indicated feeling strengthened by the practices in the take-up of their rights. CONCLUSION: Structural stigma manifests itself in the gap between expectations of care users and caregivers around an inclusive MHC. Knowledge and awareness raising of caregivers can broaden the understanding of inclusive MHC for DHOH people and facilitate shaping tailored care.