Mental Health Literacy and Stigma in a Municipality in the North of Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Portugal has Europe’s second-highest prevalence of psychiatric illnesses, and this is the reason why mental health literacy (MHL) and stigma should be addressed. This study aimed to investigate the mental health literacy and stigma levels among different groups of people from Póvoa de Varzim, a municipality in the north of Portugal. Students, retired people, and professionals (education, social, and healthcare fields) were recruited using a convenience sample from June to November 2022. Participants’ MHL levels were evaluated using the Mental Health Promoting Knowledge Scale (MHPK), Mental Health Literacy Measure (MHLM) and Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS). Stigma levels were evaluated using Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) and the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS). A total of 928 questionnaires were filed. The respondents included 65.70% of women, a mean age of 43.63 (±26.71) years and 9.87 (±4.39) years of school education. MHL increased with age, education level and was higher in women (p < 0.001). A higher level of MHL was seen in health professionals (p < 0.001). Findings revealed that older people stigmatized people with mental illness more (p < 0.001), and the female gender stigmatize less (p < 0.001). In addition, results showed that stigma decreased with higher mental health literacy (r between 0.11 and 0.38; p < 0.001). To conclude, specific campaigns that promote mental health literacy should be tailored to specific profiles within this population to address those that have more stigma.

Thirty-year trends of anxiety disorders among adolescents based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study

“…The incidence rates were lowest in developing Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan), which is consistent with global anxiety surveys and research. 40 The higher incidence rates observed in northern Europe may be attributed partly to increasing mental health literacy, less stigma 41 42 and improved access to mental health services. 43 For instance, the population of Póvoa de Varzim in northern Portugal exhibited above-average levels of mental health literacy, with stigma decreasing as mental health literacy increased.…”

“…43 For instance, the population of Póvoa de Varzim in northern Portugal exhibited above-average levels of mental health literacy, with stigma decreasing as mental health literacy increased. 40 Furthermore, some studies suggest that the geographical phenomena of cold weather and lack of sunlight in winter may exacerbate anxiety problems. 44 Regarding Iran, evidence suggests that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have worse health outcomes.…”

Exploring the motivations of mental health service utilization among family caregivers in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana

“…It has been reported that stigmatization and discrimination against the mentally ill are hinged on ignorance about mental health (Roberts et al, 2018). Increasing awareness of mental health in the communities has a high likelihood of reducing stigma against the mentally ill (Simões de Almeida et al, 2023).…”

Community health worker training to reduce mental health and substance use stigma towards patients who have disengaged from HIV/TB care in South Africa: protocol for a stepped wedge hybrid type II pilot implementation trial

“…While some mental health and SU trainings have been piloted for CHWs [ 16 , 18 , 19 ], this training is not consistently provided as part of the Department of Health’s CHW accreditation program. Given the well-documented association between poor mental health literacy and stigma [ 20 , 21 ], this lack of training likely contributes to CHW stigma towards patients with HIV/TB and depression or SU. Indeed, our earlier work documented high levels of depression and SU stigma among South African CHWs [ 22 – 24 ].…”