This article reviews the literature evaluating the effectiveness of various stigma reduction interventions related to mental health illnesses. An integrated search of the English language literature from 1998 to May 2008 was done using CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and PsychINFO databases. The results of this review emphasize that experimental clinical trials hold promise for providing evidence-based data that can be used in mental health practice. Educational and contact-based strategies used in various stigma reduction programs resulted in the most durable gains in knowledge as well as positive attitudinal and behavioral changes needed to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness. Special stigma reduction programs are to be planned for adolescent and elderly targets. Future studies have yet to be designed to identify cost-effective stigma reduction programs. Moreover, interventional studies from different cultures are encouraged. Cross-cultural interventions need to be evaluated and modified to ensure providing culturally relevant interventions.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death. Suicide stigma and literacy may affect the rate of suicide and helpseeking behaviors. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Stigma of Suicide Scale-short form (SOSS-SF) and Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS). The sample included 160 Jordanian university students. Reliability analysis showed acceptable Cronbach's alpha levels of the three SOSS-SF subscales (stigmatization, isolation, and glorification subscales). Factor analysis supported the construct validity of the SOSS-SF by showing three factor structure similar to the three original subscales. LOSS scores showed low literacy level about suicide with a passing rate of 55% and a mean score of 5.63 out 12. Students had more difficulty in answering questions related to signs/symptoms and risk factors of suicide. This study will enable Arabic clinicians to use these tools which assess important aspects about suicide.

Introduction: Psychological distress (in the form of depression, anxiety, and stress) among college students is prevalent and increasing. In most instances, college students with mental health issues are not seeking treatment. Although not a new phenomenon, little progress has been made toward promoting students' use of mental health services in Jordan.Aim: To measure depression, anxiety, and stress among college students in Jordan and explore their awareness of available mental health services.Methods: A convenience sample (n = 600) was tested using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Students answered questions concerning the use of campus mental health services.Results: Findings showed college students have a moderate level of depression, severe level of anxiety, and a moderate level of stress. Half were not aware that psychological support services were available, although 54.4% indicated they experienced problems.

This study ascertains further validity of the Arabic WHOQOL-BREF scale for use among family caregivers of relatives with psychiatric illnesses in Jordan.

Aims and objectives: The project was designed to assess the level of professional commitment among Jordanian Registered Nurses and examine how professional commitment among nurses relates to patients' safety. Background:Professional commitment has received a great deal of interest worldwide. Nurses constitute the largest group of healthcare professionals that spend a majority of their time at the bedside in direct patient care. Nurses have an important role in improving patient safety and providing quality of care.Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used to answer the research questions. Methods:A convenience sampling of 180 nurses selected from three accredited hospitals (governmental, private and university-affiliated teaching hospitals) completed two questionnaires; Professional Commitment Questionnaire (PCQ) and a Patient Safety Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA test were used in data analysis.Result: Nurses' professional commitment was significantly and positively correlated with patient safety. Registered nurses perceived that their level of commitment was medium (M=3.47; SD=1.58 of a 7 point scale), with the highest mean recorded for nurses working in governmental hospitals (M=3.88; SD=1.53). The level of perception of issues related to patient safety was slightly higher than the midpoint (M=5.94; SD=1.38 of a 9 point scale). Nurses' professional commitment was influenced by gender t (158 =-2.33; p =.02), nursing experience in current hospitals (r=-0.193; p=0.01), current hospital sector (F=4.334, p=0.01), and monthly salary (F=12.327, p=0.000). Patient safety was influenced by nurses ' educational level (F=3.306, p=0.03). Conclusion:This study provides a preliminary understanding of how professional commitment of registered nurses can enhance patient safety. Managerial support was deemed necessary to enhance nurses' professional commitment, which, in turn, improves healthcare outcomes.