Evaluation of the impact of a social media–focused intervention on reducing mental health stigma among pharmacy students

Abstract

Introduction Stigma may negatively affect the treatment of people with mental illness, and pharmacists have the opportunity to play a key role in reducing mental health stigma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a pharmacy student–focused educational intervention impacts stigma toward people with mental illness. Methods A 90-minute interactive learning module, which used social media and fictional case scenarios, was developed and administered to third-year pharmacy students (n = 145) during small group class sessions. The Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC), a validated tool to measure stigma, was administered immediately before and after the intervention. Pre-post OMS-HC scores were analyzed using related samples t tests. Results A total of 93 presurvey and postsurvey OMS-HC scores were paired and analyzed. Based on the 15-item version of the scale, stigma was significantly reduced, consistent with a score reduction of 4.6%, from 36.8 (95% confidence interval, 35.4-38.1) to 35.1 (95% confidence interval, 33.8-36.3), P < .0001. Discussion Educational interventions for pharmacy students that use social media applications might reduce mental health stigma. After the intervention, most participants believed that stigma impacts the treatment of mental illness, and that pharmacists may play a role in changing mental health stigma.

Assessing Stigma towards Mental Illness in Relation to Demographics Attitudes and Past Experiences among Pharmacy Students in a Jordanian University Sample

“…When compared to other populations in previous studies that adopted the 15-item OMS-HC, the results indicate a relatively high stigmatizing behavior among the study subjects. For instance, in the work of Douglass and Moy (2019) evaluating the impact of a social media-focused intervention on mental health stigma among a university sample of pharmacy students in the United States, both pre-and post-intervention scores (36.8 and 35.1, respectively) are markedly lower compared to the current results [30]. Among working pharmacists in Accra, the overall score was 37, which is also significantly lower in comparison to the current findings [31].…”

Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining Gender Differences in Stress and Mental Health Among University Students

“…On the other hand, it is reasonable to think that some individuals who are experiencing depression and anxiety may be more likely to engage with social media, possibly as a method of support. Social media can have some beneficial purposes ( 60 ), including reducing stigma around mental health ( 61 ). In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, more research will be needed to determine whether different reasons for use of social media are predictive of different mental health outcomes.…”

Psychiatric Pharmacy: New Role of Pharmacists in Mental Health

“…Douglass et.al, 2019 reported that stigma has a significant impact on the treatment of MH, with substantial implications on patient quality of life. To provide professional, culturally sensitive care, pharmacists should reflect on their skills, attitudes, and beliefs of MH treatment and actively participate in changing the stigma of mental illnesses [47]. Evidence suggests that socioeconomic factors can have the greatest effect on health and wellbeing, accounting for 40% of all influences on the individual.…”