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The delaying effect of stigma on mental health help-seeking in Sri Lanka
Sunera M Fernando1, Frank P Deane2, Hamish J McLeod3
1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Background:
Mental health stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment.
Aims:
To describe perceived stigma experienced by patients and carers in Sri Lanka and to determine the effects of stigma on help-seeking delay.
Methods:
Survey of outpatients and family carers (n = 118 dyads) attending two psychiatric hospitals in Sri Lanka, using the Disclosure and Discrimination subscales of the Stigma Scale.
Results:
Stigma was positively related to help-seeking delay for carers but not patients. Public stigma experienced by carers accounted for 23% of the variance in help-seeking delay.
Conclusion:
Reducing stigma may reduce help-seeking delays during the course of treatment.
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