Publication: Experiencing stigma: Nepalese perspectives
Date
2008
Authors
SR, Adhikari
SN, Pradhan
SC, Sharma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Experiencing stigma by patients with mental illness in their day to day lives has substantial importance
in treatment, compliance and quality of life. There is dearth of information and researches in experiences/ perceptions
and coping of stigma in Nepal.
Aims: The objective of this study was to nd out experiences/ perceptions and coping of stigma and stigmatizations
among patients with mental illness.
Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, cross sectional study of patients admitted in psychiatry ward. Patients
were assessed using self-report questionnaire which focused on beliefs about discrimination against mental illness,
rejection experiences, and ways of coping with stigma. Patient’s socio demographic pro les were also assessed.
Results: Fifty three patients completed questionnaire concerning various constructs of stigma. There were 29 male
patients and 24 female patients. Majority (N=45; 84.9%) were of Hindu religion but there were mixed numbers
regarding caste. Most of the patients were aware of the stigma associated with mental illness. There were experiences
of rejection by family members and colleagues (N=23; 43.4%) and health care professional (N=16; 30.2%). There were
strong perceptions of stigmatization felt by patients in different social circumstances. Though maintaining secrecy and
avoidance/withdrawal of stigma provoking scenario were not experienced much, there was a strong sense of advocacy
whenever there was any negative view of mental illness. Some of the questionnaire items in “perception”, “rejection”
and “coping” showed statistical signi cance (p=0.001).
Conclusion: People with mental illness experience stigma during their course of illness and treatment and it is an
important determinant for the relapse of symptoms and non-compliance to treatment. Despite experiencing stigma,
patients were generally treated fairly by other people. Patients develop various mechanisms to cope with stigma, mostly
secrecy and avoidance. Advocacy and anti-stigma campaign along with positive attitudes of health professionals play
important role in decreasing stigmatizing experiences in patients.
Key Words: Stigma, stigmatization, mental illness, coping, perception.
Description
Adhikari SR¹, Pradhan SN², Sharma SC²
¹Lecturer, ²Assistant Professors, Department of Psychiatry, KMCTH, Sinamangal, Nepal