Community pharmacists’ perceptions of mental health care: A qualitative study on stigma and barriers

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the stigma, barriers, and improvements needed for providing effective mental health care in community pharmacies in Jordan. A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 20 community pharmacists. The interviews were conducted in December 2024. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes. A total of 20 pharmacists were interviewed. Pharmacists reported significant stigma among patients with mental health disorders, often due to societal pressures. However, within the pharmacy environment, pharmacists showed minimal stigma and demonstrated empathy. Key barriers identified included communication challenges, particularly the lack of privacy. Proposed improvements focused on enhancing education and training through workshops and continuous professional development. Community pharmacists play a critical role in mental health care but face challenges such as stigma, communication issues, and knowledge gaps. Addressing these barriers through better training could significantly enhance the ability of pharmacists to provide effective mental health support.