Stigma toward mental disorders and associated factors among community mental health workers in Wuhan, China

Abstract

BackgroundStigma toward mental disorders (STMD) is a significant barrier to mental health service delivery. To improve the provision of mental health services for community‐dwelling residents in China, this study investigated STMD and its associated factors in community mental health workers (CMHWs) in Wuhan, China.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, a total of 3869 CMHWs (22.9% men and 37.1 ± 8.4 years old) were randomly selected through multistage sampling and invited to participate in this survey. The perceived devaluation‐discrimination scale (PDD) and the National Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (NMHLQ) were used to assess STMD and mental health knowledge, respectively. The presence of STMD was indicated by a mean item score of 3.0 or higher on the PDD. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with STMD.ResultsOf the CMHWs, 41.9% had poor mental health knowledge (NMHLQ score < 80), and 18.5% exhibited STMD. In multiple regression analysis, factors significantly associated with STMD were social workers (vs. primary care physicians, OR = 1.44, p < .001), poor self‐rated capacity to handle common mental health problems (vs. good, OR = 1.57, p < .001), and poor mental health knowledge (vs. NMHLQ score ≥ 80, OR = 1.46, p < .001).ConclusionSTMD is common among Chinese CMHWs. To reduce STMD among CMHWs, training programs in mental health care skills and mental health education may be necessary.