Attitudes toward mental illness, mentally ill persons, and help-seeking among the Saudi public and sociodemographic correlates

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been reported that the majority of individuals with mental illnesses (MIs) do not seek help. Few studies have focused on correlates of a positive attitude toward professional help-seeking for MI. This study aimed to determine levels of knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward MI, determine attitudes toward mental health help-seeking, and identify sociodemographic predictors of correct knowledge and favorable attitudes among the Saudi public.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 650 Saudi adults aged >18 years who attended the Saudi Jenadriyah annual cultural and heritage festival during February 2016. The previously validated Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire was used. Attitude to professional help-seeking was also assessed, using a tool retrieved from the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview part II. Multiple regression analyses were applied, and statistical significance considered at P<0.05.ResultsThe majority of the Saudi public reported lack of knowledge about the nature of MI (87.5%, percentage mean score [PMS] 45.02±19.98), negative perception (59%, PMS 59.76±9.16), negative attitudes to MI (66.5%, PMS 65.86±7.77), and negative attitudes to professional help-seeking (54.5%, PMS 62.45±8.54). Marital status was a predictor of knowledge (t=−3.12, P=0.002), attitudes to MI (t=2.93, P=0.003), and attitudes to help-seeking (t=2.20, P=0.03). Attitudes to help-seeking were also predicted by sex (t=−2.72, P=0.007), employment (t=3.05, P=0.002), and monthly income (t=2.79, P=0.005). Perceptions toward the mentally ill were not predicted by these socioeconomic characteristics (P>0.05).ConclusionThe Saudi public reported lack of knowledge of MI and stigmatizing attitudes toward people with MI in relation to treatment, work, marriage, and recovery and toward professional help-seeking. Sociodemographic characteristics predicted correct knowledge and favorable attitudes, while Saudi culture was the likely factor behind negative judgments about mentally ill persons. Efforts to challenge this negative publicity and stigma through antistigma campaigns and public education through schools and media are recommended.

An Exploration of Family Caregiver Experiences of Burden and Coping While Caring for People with Mental Disorders in Saudi Arabia—A Qualitative Study

“…It should be noted that the majority of caregiving was provided by women, making them more susceptible to caregiver burdens [ 16 ]. Moreover, the lower levels of mental health literacy and the limited knowledge among Saudi caregivers of people with mental disorders put them at higher risk of practicing poor coping techniques [ 37 ]. Caregivers were divided in their responses and opinions when asked about the general public’s awareness regarding mental disorders, though numerous misconceptions shared by the public were pointed out by the caregivers under this theme.…”

Parental Support, Beliefs about Mental Illness, and Mental Help-Seeking among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia

“…Mental illness is a neglected issue in Saudi Arabia, as evidenced by the lack of reported data on the prevalence of mental illness in the general population. Further, negative attitudes toward mental illness among the Saudi population, as well as hesitancy toward seeking mental help, have been reported in the literature [ 1 ]. For example, reports indicate that treatments for mental illnesses might be seen as useless, time-wasting, and expensive [ 1 ].…”

“…People diagnosed with mental illness are often rejected by the community and considered a burden to their families; thus, they, and their relatives, often hide the disorder from others because they fear public disapproval. Various studies have found that most people isolate themselves from individuals with mental illness, considering them dangerous and incapable of friendship [ 1 , 2 ]. Negative attitudes toward mental illness promote public discrimination against and stigmatization of patients with mental disorders and may cause them to withdraw from social interactions, which is likely to aggravate their mental illness condition [ 3 ].…”

Attitudinal and demographic factors associated with seeking help and receiving antidepressant medication for symptoms of common mental disorder

“…Consistent with previous research [38,42,43] the analysis included other factors reported to be associated with attitudes towards mental illness or to help-seeking or receipt. Demographic factors and familiarity with mental illness were included in the regression models as follows: gender, age, educational quali cation, income, employment status, ethnicity and familiarity with a mental illness.…”