The delaying effect of stigma on mental health help‐seeking in Sri Lanka

Fernando, S. M., Deane, F. P. and McLeod, H. J. (2017) The delaying effect of stigma on mental health help‐seeking in Sri Lanka. Asia-Pacific Psychiatry, 9(1), e12255. (doi: 10.1111/appy.12255) (PMID:28147468)

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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.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McLeod, Professor Hamish
Authors: Fernando, S. M., Deane, F. P., and McLeod, H. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Asia-Pacific Psychiatry
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1758-5864
ISSN (Online):1758-5872
Published Online:24 August 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 John Wiley and Sons Australia, Ltd.
First Published:First published in Asia-Pacific Psychiatry 9(1):e12255
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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