Abstract
Background & objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the causes of stigma associated with psychiatric diseases and methods of its alleviation in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: Sixteen focus groups were conducted in half of the Primary Health Care (PHC) centers of Khobar. The average number of adult female PHC attendees participating in each session was six. Each session lasted between 45-60 minutes. Each session was conducted by 3 female researchers. The moderator followed a semi-structured questionnaire for asking about reasons of stigma associated with psychiatric diseases and how to overcome such a stigma. Ten sessions could be audio-recorded after taking the consent of participants. The rest were transcribed by the assistant moderator. Collected data was analyzed for repeated themes and some quotations were selected.
Results: Useful opinions were given, which might help in alleviation of stigma, like: Providing mental health services by PHC centers or general hospitals to avoid the embarrassment associated with visiting psychiatric hospitals. Since many people seek "Sheikhs" for mental problems, Muslim clergymen may participate in health education campaigns for alleviation of stigma. Providing mental health consultation by a psychologist at school and involving the children and their families in solving the problem might help in increasing acceptability of psychiatric services early in childhood. Providing a hot line for psychiatric consultation might reduce embarrassment.
Conclusion: Reducing the stigmatization of mental illness continues to be an important goal for mental health professionals in our community.