STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE
WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG THE NURSES AND
CLINICIANS
- A STUDY CONDUCTED IN KASUNGU AMONG NURSES AND
CLINICIANS, JUNE –JULY, 2009.
by
Ramsey W.D. Selemani
Bsc. Clin. Med (Mw)
Supervisor: Elaine Beeby
INTRODUCTION
• Stigma and discrimination against people with
mental illness is common among all spheres.
• Throughout history, the label of mental illness
has marked persons, and differentiated them
from those without a mental illness.
• Stereotyping and prejudice, in turn, may
results in barriers to access to knowledgeable
health care, treatment, social resources, social
inclusion and opportunities for recovery.
INTRODUCTION-cont.
• Despite having knowledge of the negative effects of
stigma and discrimination against people with
mental illness, health care workers are on record
stigmatising and discriminating.
AIMS
• The aim of the study was to determine factors
that influence stigma and discrimination
against people with mental illness among
general nurses and clinicians, and to examine
its level.
METHOD
• This study utilised qualitative research design which
was exploratory and descriptive in nature.
• The study was conducted using phenomenological
technique.
• Purposive sampling method was used to select
participants.
• General nurses and clinicians were sampled.
• In-depth interviews and focus group discussions
were used in collecting data
• Data was analysed concurrently using contents data
analysis.
RESULTS
• The findings of the study revealed that, there
is significant stigma and discrimination against
people with mental illness among nurses and
clinicians.
• It has been shown that most health care
workers avoid clients with mental disorders
because they are afraid of violent and
aggressive behaviours among others.
RESULTS-cont.
• Others attributed loss of interest in mental
health to one or more of the following
reasons;
lack of motivation, lack of knowledge and skills,
shortage of resources and supplies, non curability,
and having views that mental health is a speciality.
Above all, health professionals do not receive
adequate mental health training during their basic
training.
CONCLUSION
• This study has revealed significant stigma and
discrimination against people with mental
illness among nurses and clinicians.
• Stigma and discrimination retard the affected
people from seeking proper assistance.
• Negative attitudes towards mental disorders
by health professionals have serious negative
effects on their clients and the general public.
CONCLUSION-cont.
• Review of health training curriculum is
required in order to include adequate
information which will equip health workers
and minimise stigma and discrimination
against people with mental disorder among
nurses and clinicians
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