Impact of Conventional Beliefs and Social Stigma on Attitude Towards Access to Mental Health Services in Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of conventional beliefs and social stigma on attitude towards access to mental health services. From 50 caregivers data were collected by Perceived Public Stigma Scale and an in-depth semi-structured interview. The majority (86%) of patients having significant symptoms of major mental illness visited traditional healer prior to engagement with the mental health services. However a significant positive finding, related to carers predominantly perceiving that individuals with mental health difficulties were trustworthy, capable of engagement in employment and were comfortable with having them as their friends were identified.