Mental Stigma Among Al-Ahsa Population in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Mental stigma involves negative labeling and discrimination against individuals with mental illness.
• Stigma negatively impacts societal attitudes, leading to avoidance, blame, and harmful stereotypes.
• Understanding stigma levels is crucial for developing effective mental health support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of mental stigma within the Al-Ahsa region population.
• To identify factors associated with varying levels of mental stigma in the study area.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from June to August 2021.
• A sample of 758 participants aged 18-65 completed the Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI) scale.
• Data analysis explored correlations between demographic factors and stigma scores.

Main Results:

• The overall mean stigma score was 99.24 ± 15.622.
• Higher age correlated with increased stigma scores.
• Lower stigma was observed in healthcare workers, multilingual individuals, and those with personal or familial experience with mental illness.

Conclusions:

• A significant majority (91.96%) of the Al-Ahsa population exhibited low to medium-low levels of mental stigma.
• Key factors influencing stigma levels included age, occupation, linguistic diversity, and personal/social connections to mental illness.
• Addressing mental stigma is vital to reduce barriers to seeking help, prevent social isolation, and mitigate risks of suicidal ideation.