Attitudes toward mental disorder among medical students

Abstract

Background: People with mental disorders are among the most stigmatized and vulnerable members of society. Our research study intended to determine the medical students’ attitude toward mental disorders, the presence of stigma, and whether either changed throughout their six-year medical education. Methods: The sample included 200 medical students of the University of Maribor. Empirical data were collected using the CAMI scale (Community Attitudes Towards the Mentally Ill), the Comparison of Attitudes of Patients and Students in Slovenia questionnaire, and additional questions regarding specific mental disorders. The results were processed using the SPSS 25 program. Descriptive statistics methods were applied, including the ANOVA test. Statistically, significant correlations and differences were checked at a 5% risk level. Results: The students strongly agreed with the positive statements and disagreed with the negative statements on the CAMI scale (MV=3.93; SD=0.34; p=0.046). No significant discrepancies between individual undergraduate years were observed; the sixth-year students expressed the most positive attitude among all students. The mean value of all statements was 3.9 (Y1-Y6 SD=0.5), indicating a low presence of stigma. Conclusion: The students expressed a positive attitude toward mental disorders. In sixth-year students, the least stigma, and better knowledge and attitude towards mental disorders were observed. Education, clerkship, and hearing personal confessions about experiencing a mental disorder are needed as they improve attitudes toward them.