A multicentric study on stigma towards people with mental illness in health sciences students.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of negative attitudes among health professionals towards people with mental illness but there is also a knowledge gap on what training must be given to these health professionals during their education. The purpose of this study is to compare the attitudes of students of health sciences: nursing, medical, occupational therapy, and psychology. METHODS: A comparative and cross-sectional study in which 927 final-year students from health sciences university programmes were evaluated using the Mental Illness: Clinicians' Attitudes (both MICA-2 and MICA-4) scale. The sample was taken in six universities from Chile and Spain. RESULTS: We found consistent results indicating that stigma varies across university programmes. Medical and nursing students showed more negative attitudes than psychology and occupational therapy students in several stigma-related themes: recovery, dangerousness, uncomfortability, disclosure, and discriminatory behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presents a relevant description of the attitudes of each university programme for education against stigma in the formative years. Results show that the biomedical understanding of mental disorders can have negative effects on attitudes, and that education based on the psychosocial model allows a more holistic view of the person over the diagnosis.

Interventions to reduce the stigma of mental health at work: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: While there are reviews of the literature on mental health stigma reduction programs, very few have focused on the workplace. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify, describe and compare the main characteristics of the interventions to reduce the stigma towards mental health at work. METHOD: The search of original articles (2007 to 2022) was carried out in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases, selecting 25 articles from the key terms: 1. Stigma, 2. Workplace, 3. Anti-stigma intervention/program, 4. Mental health. RESULTS: These interventions can be effective in changing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of workers towards people with mental health problems, although further verification of these results is needed as they are limited to date. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Interventions to reduce stigma in the workplace could create more supportive work environments by reducing negative attitudes and discrimination and improving awareness of mental disorders.

Effectiveness of an intervention to reduce stigma towards people with a mental disorder diagnosis in university students of healthcare careers.

Students in healthcare careers present stigma towards people with psychiatric diagnoses, so the development of interventions to reduce it is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce stigma towards people diagnosed with mental disorders in healthcare students in Chile. A randomized clinical trial with a before and after measurement was carried out. The intervention was part of a compulsory course and combined educational and contact strategies. A total of 244 fourth-semester students of medicine, nursing, dentistry, obstetrics, psychology, and social work participated. The intervention was effective in reducing stigmatizing attitudes and the desire for social distance. For almost all variables, the magnitude of the stigma reduction depended on the initial level of stigma, not on the profession. The intervention had positive effects on all careers. In conclusion, incorporating a stigma reduction intervention into mandatory professional training, with the active participation of the teacher in charge and experts by experience, can be a valuable tool to promote humanized and non-stigmatizing treatment.

Mental disorders in the media: A retrospective study of newspaper coverage in the Chilean Press.

BACKGROUND: The mass media are relevant in shaping the population's attitudes towards mental disorders. In low- and middle-income countries there is little information about the portrayal of people with mental disorders in the mass media. AIM: The general objective of the study was to assess the tone and content of Chilean newspaper articles about mental disorder from 2000 to 2019. METHOD: The digital editions of four national circulation Chilean newspapers were intentionally selected. The search engine Google News was used to identify and retrieve the news. To evaluate the news, a standardised codebook was administered. A total of 385 news were evaluated. RESULTS: The results show that a large proportion of the news items has an overall positive/optimistic tone 43.5% and 57.5% does not stigmatise; however, only 18.4% emphasises recovery as part of the content. The highest percentages of news stigmatising in tone and content are observed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Furthermore, the experts are quoted much more frequently than people diagnosed with mental disorders or their families and/or friends. When comparing by years there is a trend towards general decrease in stigmatisation, moving towards a more positive or optimistic view of mental health. CONCLUSIONS: In general, low stigmatisation towards mental disorders was found in the news and this was reduced steadily over time. Although there are aspects to improve in some particular areas, suggesting that manifest stigma has diminished, but more subtle forms still remain.

Effectiveness of an intervention to reduce stigma towards people with a severe mental disorder diagnosis in primary health care personnel: Programme Igual-Mente.

This study assessed the effectiveness of a program (called Igual-Mente, Equal-Mind) designed to reduce stigma in primary health care personnel. A random clinical trial was performed (ISRCTN46464036). There were 316 primary care professionals and technicians who were randomized and assigned to the experimental or control group. The program considered as strategies the education, the contact and the development of skills. There were six sessions with the primary care staff and two sessions with the managers of the health centers. It was executed by two facilitators, a professional psychologist and an expert by experience, i.e., a person diagnosed with a severe mental disorder (SMD). Attitudes, social distance, and humane treatment behaviors toward people with SMD were assessed. The intervention was effective in reducing stigma attitudes y social distance towards people diagnosed with SMD. The magnitude of the changes ranged from moderate to high in all these variables and the effects were maintained for four months after the end of the program. Regarding humane treatment behaviors, the effects were less clear. This study shows good results indicating that well-designed interventions can effectively reduce stigma towards people diagnosed with SMD, which is one of the main challenges of health systems.

Stigma towards people with a diagnosis of severe mental disorder in primary healthcare centers: perspectives of service users and health teams in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Stigma towards people diagnosed with a severe mental disorder (SMD) is one of the main obstacles for these service users to receive timely and relevant healthcare. This study was undertaken to understand how stigmatizing attitudes are demonstrated towards people with SMD in primary healthcare centers (PHC) from the perspective of those affected and primary healthcare professionals. METHODS: We used a qualitative exploratory research design to contrast the differences and similarities regarding stigmatizing attitudes towards people with SMD in primary healthcare centers (PHC) from the perspective of two groups: (i) people diagnosed with a severe mental disorder, and (ii) healthcare professionals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and discussion groups and subsequently analyzed using Atlas.ti software. RESULTS: Our results indicate that both service users and healthcare professionals manifest stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory behavior in health care. In addition, structural aspects of the health system and organizational culture appear to contribute to stigmatization. Both groups agreed that there is a need for healthcare professionals to have more education, specialization, and skill development related to mental health issues. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to reduce the stigma towards people with SMD in PHC must consider delivery of information about mental disorders, development of skills in the healthcare professionals, and modifications in the culture of the health centers.

Interventions to reduce the stigma of mental health at work: a narrative review

Abstract Background While there are reviews of the literature on mental health stigma reduction programs, very few have focused on the workplace. Objective: We sought to identify, describe and compare the main characteristics of the interventions to reduce the stigma towards mental health at work. Method The search of original articles (2007 to 2022) was carried out in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases, selecting 25 articles from the key terms: 1. Stigma, 2. Workplace, 3. Anti-stigma intervention/program, 4. Mental health. Results: These interventions can be effective in changing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of workers towards people with mental health problems, although further verification of these results is needed as they are limited to date. Discussion and conclusion Interventions to reduce stigma in the workplace could create more supportive work environments by reducing negative attitudes and discrimination and improving awareness of mental disorders.

Interventions to Reduce Stigma Toward People with Severe Mental Disorders in Ibero-America: A Systematic Review / Intervenciones para reducir el estigma hacia personas con trastornos mentales graves en Iberoamérica: una revisión sistemática / Intervenções para reduzir o estigma em relação às pessoas com transtornos mentais graves na América Latina: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction: The main goal of the present review was to systematically compile data on interventions to reduce stigma in Ibero-America. Aim: To describe the characteristics and determine the main results of interventions required for reducing stigma toward people with severe mental disorders that have developed in the Latin America during 2007-2017. Materials and methods: A systematic review of articles from electronic databases such as Medline, EBscohost, Embase, LILACS, and SciELO, as well as gray literature from Google Scholar, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese covering the period during January 2007 and December 2017 was performed. In order to evaluate the quality of the quantitative studies, the Robins criteria were used for quasi-experimental and experimental studies, and the cASpe criteria were used for qualitative studies. Results: A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected; 75% of the studies were quantitative in nature, of which, one-quarter did not meet the quality criteria. Conclusions: Currently, there are only a few interventions established to reduce stigma in Ibero-America and they are mainly short-term. Our evaluation of the available literature facilitates the identification of the aspects that should be included in future research in order to reduce the possible biases that could arise when developing these types of studies.

Resumen Introducción: el objetivo principal de la presente revisión fue compilar sistemáticamente datos sobre intervenciones para reducir el estigma en Iberoamérica. Objetivo: describir las características y determinar los principales resultados de las intervenciones para reducir el estigma hacia las personas con trastornos mentales graves que se han desarrollado en América Latina entre 2007 y 2017. Materiales y métodos: revisión sistemática de artículos de bases de datos electrónicas, como Medline, EBscohost, Embase, LILACS y SciELO, y literatura gris obtenida de Google Scholar, publicada en inglés, español y portugués que abarca el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2017. Para evaluar la calidad de los estudios cuantitativos, se utilizaron los criterios de Robins para los estudios cuasiexperimentales y experimentales, y los criterios caspe para los estudios cualitativos. Resultados: se seleccionaron 18 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión; el 75 % fueron cuantitativos, y de estos, una cuarta parte no cumplió con los criterios de calidad. Conclusiones: actualmente, existen pocas intervenciones para reducir el estigma en Iberoamérica y son principalmente a corto plazo. Nuestra evaluación de la literatura disponible ayuda a identificar aspectos que deberían incluirse en investigaciones futuras para reducir los posibles sesgos que podrían surgir al desarrollar este tipo de estudios.

Resumo Introdução: o objetivo principal desta revisão foi compilar sistematicamente dados sobre intervenções para reduzir o estigma na América Latina. Objetivo: descrever as características e determinar os principais resultados das intervenções para redução do estigma em relação a pessoas com transtornos mentais graves que se desenvolveram na América Latina no período de 2007-2017. Materiais e métodos: realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de artigos de bases de dados eletrônicas como Medline, EBscohost, Embase, LILACS e SciELO, e literatura cinza obtida no Google Scholar, publicada em inglês, espanhol e português cobrindo o período de janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2017. Para avaliar a qualidade dos estudos quantitativos, foram utilizados os critérios de Robins para estudos quase experimentais e experimentais e os critérios cAspe para estudos qualitativos. Resultados: foram selecionados um total de 18 estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão; o 75% eram quantitativos e destes, um quarto não atendia aos critérios de qualidade. Conclusões: atualmente, existem poucas intervenções para reduzir o estigma na América Latina e são principalmente de curto prazo. Nossa avaliação da literatura disponível ajuda a identificar aspectos que devem ser incluídos em pesquisas futuras para reduzir os possíveis vieses que podem surgir no desenvolvimento deste tipo de estudos.

Evaluación del estigma hacia personas con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia mediante una escala de conocimiento / Evaluation of the stigma towards people with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia using a Knowledge Scale

RESUMEN Introducción: El estigma público es la adscripción de estereotipos negativos a las personas con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Se han utilizado distintos instrumentos para evaluarlo, entre los que destacan las escalas de conocimiento. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar el estigma público a través de una medida de conocimiento y relacionar el nivel de información con variables con demostrada influencia en el estigma que presenta la población. Métodos: La muestra fue de 399 personas; el criterio de inclusión fue tener entre 18 y 65 arios. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de conocimiento sobre la esquizofrenia y un instrumento para recolectar información sociodemográfica. Los participantes fueron reclutados en lugares de gran afluencia de público. Se realizaron análisis de correspondencias múltiples no paramétricos bivariables y de conglomerados jerárquicos. Resultados: El cuestionario presenta dos dimensiones: «Creencias sobre el conocimiento de la esquizofrenia¼ y «Actitudes hacia la esquizofrenia¼; existen diferencias significativas entre estas y el contacto con personas con un trastorno mental grave. En el análisis por conglomerados, se encontraron 3 grupos diferenciados en función de la combinación de las 2 dimensiones del instrumento. Conclusiones: Destaca que ninguna de las 2 dimensiones mide conocimiento veraz, y el cuestionario tiene una dimensión actitudinal. Más que el contacto en sí, es el tipo de interacción una variable relevante en el nivel de estigma, lo que cuestiona la hipótesis tradicional del contacto. Se requiere investigar mejor las características del instrumento y los aspectos del contacto que se asocian a un menor nivel de estigma en la población.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Social stigma is the assigning of negative stereotypes to people with schizophrenia. Different measurement tools have been used to evaluate this, including knowledge scales. The aim of this study was to evaluate the public stigma by measuring this knowledge and relate the degree of information with variables that have shown to influence on stigma presented by the affected population. Methods: The sample was composed of 399 people and the inclusion criterion was being between 18 and 65 years of age. The "Questionnaire of knowledge on schizophrenia" was applied, as well as a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information. Participants were recruited in places with large crowds. The following analyses were performed: multiple correlations, non-parametric bivariate and hierarchical clusters. Results: The questionnaire had two dimensions: "Beliefs on the knowledge of schizophrenia" and "Attitudes towards schizophrenia". There are significant differences between them, and the contact with people with SMI. In the analysis of clusters, there was difference in the two groups according to the combination of the two dimensions of the tools. Conclusions: It is highlighted that none of the dimensions measures true knowledge, and the questionnaire has an attitudinal dimension. More than contact itself, it is the type of interaction of a relevant variable at the level of stigma that questions the traditional hypothesis of contact. Further research is required on the characteristics of the tool and the aspects of the contact associated to a lower level of stigma in the population.

Caracterización de las personas en situación de calle con problemas de salud mental, que se encuentran en la Región del BíoBío / Characterization of homeless persons with mental health problems, that are in the Bío Bío Region

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las características sociodemográficas, el uso de redes, la autopercepción de salud, las necesidades y los recursos de las personas en situación de calle con problemas de salud mental y/o consumo problemático de alcohol y/o drogas, en la región del Bío Bío (Chile). Método: Entre los meses de diciembre de 2014 y marzo de 2015, se obtuvo información de una muestra por conveniencia de 65 habitantes de calle con antecedentes de problemas mentales, vinculados a programas de la Secretaría Regional Ministerial (SEREMI) de Desarrollo Social. Se emplearon instrumentos de caracterización sociodemográfica, la Escala Maristán de Necesidades y el inventario de recursos para personas en situación de calle. Resultados: La muestra está constituida principalmente por hombres, con edad promedio de 41 años. Se caracteriza por tener bajo nivel escolar y condiciones de inestabilidad laboral, así como una moderada percepción de salud física y mental. Las personas tienen más necesidades sanitarias, de trabajo y uso del tiempo libre, y existenciales, que de la vida cotidiana. El Estado y la familia son las principales fuentes de apoyo para esta población. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de la presente investigación, permiten realizar una primera aproximación al perfil sociodemográfico, de percepción de salud y de necesidades de las persona en situación de calle con problemas mentales y/o abuso problemático de alcohol y/o drogas. A partir de los resultados es posible determinar una línea de base para proponer futuros programas de atención en la región.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine the socio-demographic characteristics, the use of nets, the self-perception of health, needs and resources of persons in streets with problems of mental health or problematic consumption of alcohol and/or drugs, in the Bio Bio region (Chile). Method: Between the months of December 2014 and March 2015, information was obtained from a sample of convenience of 65 homeless persons with a history of mental problems, linked to programs of the Secretaría Regional Ministerial (SEREMI) of social development. Socio-demographic characterization instruments were used, the Maristán Scale of Needs and Inventory of Resources for Homeless People. Results: The General characteristics of the sample include being male, with an average age of 41 years. The sample is characterized by low scholastic level and conditions of job instability, as well as a regular perception of physical and mental health. People have more needs health, work, use of the free time, and existentials, that of everyday life. The State and the family are the main sources of support for this population. Conclusions: The findings of this research, allow a first approach to the socio-demographic profile, perception of health and needs of the homeless persons with mental health problems and/or problematic abuse of alcohol and/or drugs. From the results it is possible to determine a baseline for future programmes in the region. Rev Chil Neuro-Psiquiat 2018; 56 (2): 89-99