Mental health literacy and stigma towards patients with mental health disorders among pharmacists in the MENA region

Abstract

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental health literacy of pharmacists in the Middle East and North Africa region. Methods An online survey was delivered via social media platforms to a sample of pharmacists. The survey assessed mental health literacy in terms of knowledge, attitude and stigma in providing care to mental health patients. Key findings A total of 372 pharmacists filled in the questionnaire, the majority of which were female (71%) and under 29 years of age (78.7%). Half were community pharmacists. The majority of respondents recognized depression (93.3%), anxiety (63.7%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (68%). Almost 35% of pharmacists were unable to classify psychiatric medications properly. Analysis of pharmacists’ attitudes towards different interventions showed the following order of help-seeking preference; psychiatrists (83.3%), spiritual activity (59.9%), family support (55.6%), friends support (53%), pharmacists support (40.6%) and social workers (39%). Conclusion Although baseline knowledge of responding pharmacists regarding mental disorders was adequate, their advanced knowledge on multiple use of interventions was shallow. Stigma was noted in perceived dangerousness and recovery of mental health patients, social responsibility and social distance.