Mental Health Workers' Knowledge and Attitude Towards Borderline Personality Disorder: A Saudi Multicenter Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Healthcare Professionals

Background:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a prevalent mental illness marked by emotional instability.
• Inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes among healthcare workers (MHWs) can impede patient care and help-seeking.
• Understanding MHW perceptions is vital for improving BPD patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge and attitudes of MHWs towards BPD in Saudi Arabia.
• To identify factors influencing MHWs' understanding and perceptions of BPD.
• To determine the need for targeted BPD training for MHWs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 1028 MHWs across Saudi Arabia.
• A questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and training related to BPD.
• Data analysis identified correlations between demographics, experience, and BPD knowledge/attitudes.

Main Results:

• MHWs demonstrated good knowledge of BPD, with higher scores among females, physicians, and those with BPD-specific training or experience.
• Participants reported moderate to high confidence in identifying, assessing, and managing BPD.
• Despite challenges in managing BPD patients, a significant majority expressed willingness to receive further training.

Conclusions:

• MHWs in Saudi Arabia possess moderate knowledge but negative perceptions regarding BPD.
• Undergraduate training is a primary source of BPD information, yet further specialized training is needed.
• Targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve MHWs' capacity to manage BPD effectively.