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Al Omari O, Valsaraj BP, Khatatbeh M, Al-Jubouri MB, Emam M, Al Hashmi I, Al Qadire M, Aljezawi M, ALBashtawy M, Alkhawaldeh A, Hasona AA, Tarhini Z, Damra J, Al Sabei S, Mohamed N. Self and public stigma towards mental illnesses and its predictors among university students in 11 Arabic-speaking countries: A multi-site study. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1745-1755. [PMID: 37614016 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore self and public stigma towards mental illness and associated factors among university students from 11 Arabic-speaking countries. This cross-sectional study included 4241 university students recruited from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Syria, Sudan, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt. The participants completed three self-administrative online questionnaires-Demographic Proforma (age, gender, family income, etc.), Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale and Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire. There was a significant difference in the average mean between the 11 countries (p < 0.01) based on stigma agreement (self) and stigma awareness (public). The mean stigma agreement towards mental illnesses among university students was 19.7 (SD = 6.0), with the lowest in Lebanon, 15.9 (SD = 5.1) and the highest in UAE, 24.1 (SD = 5.6). The factors associated with stigma agreement included poor knowledge, being male, high family income, age, weak cumulative grade point average (cGPA), mothers with primary education, an unemployed parent, students in scientific colleges and fathers who completed secondary or university degrees. Furthermore, the factors associated with stigma awareness included good knowledge, acceptable cGPA and having a father who has a low income and is illiterate. Stigma towards mental illness varies among university students across Arabic-speaking countries. There is a need to sensitize youngsters to the need for a humanitarian approach in society to individuals affected by mental health concerns. Major governmental reforms must be initiated for the provision of mental health services for individuals with mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al Omari
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | | | - Moawiah Khatatbeh
- School of Health and Environmental Studies, Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Mahmoud Emam
- Psychology Department, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Iman Al Hashmi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mohammad Al Qadire
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
- Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
| | - Maen Aljezawi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
- Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Zeinab Tarhini
- CAPTuR Laboratory, Control of Cell Activation in Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Resistance, Limoges, France
- Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Jalal Damra
- Educational Psychology and Counseling Department, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Sulaiman Al Sabei
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Nora Mohamed
- Department of Educational Psychology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Al Omari O, Amandu G, Al-Adawi S, Shebani Z, Al Harthy I, Obeidat A, Al Dameery K, Al Qadire M, Al Hashmi I, Al Khawldeh A, ALBashtawy M, Aljezawi M. The lived experience of Omani adolescents and young adults with mental illness: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294856. [PMID: 38011180 PMCID: PMC10681192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently limited knowledge about the firsthand experiences of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and the meanings they ascribe to these experiences, particularly within Arab countries. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experience of Omani adolescents and young adults with a mental health problem. A sample of 15 participants aged 13-22 diagnosed with a range of mental health problems took part in the study. A qualitative interview guide consisting of open-ended questions was used to allow participants to speak in-depth about their experiences. Using the thematic analysis approach to uncover patterns in the data, three major themes emerged: "living in darkness", "perilous journey" and "uncertain future". Results show that the progress of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems is characterized by several challenges; the most significant of which is having insufficient knowledge about their illness, leading to unnecessary delays in their treatment. These findings shed light on the breadth and depth of the experience of adolescents and young adults with mental health problems and lay the groundwork for further examinations. Implications lie in the development of approaches for preventing or mitigating difficulties faced by adolescents and young adults with mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al Omari
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- College of Nursing, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Gerald Amandu
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zubaida Shebani
- College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Arwa Obeidat
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Mohammad Al Qadire
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
| | - Iman Al Hashmi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Maen Aljezawi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
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Al Omari O, Khalaf A, Al Sabei S, Al Hashmi I, Al Qadire M, Joseph M, Damra J. Facilitators and barriers of mental health help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in Oman: a cross-sectional study. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:591-601. [PMID: 35209780 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2038666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore and identify facilitators and barriers to help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in Oman, by exploring the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards mental health help-seeking. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was used and 424 adolescents were recruited to participate in the study. Participants were asked to complete five self-reported questionnaires, including two open-ended questions about the main motivations and barriers to seeking professional help for mental problems. RESULTS It was found that those with positive help-seeking attitudes towards mental health were more knowledgeable about mental health, had more positive attitudes towards mental illness, and had higher intention to help seeking. On the contrary, those with higher help-seeker stereotypes had more negative attitudes towards mental illness. Having an adequate support system, being positive and knowledgeable about mental illness, and the reputation of mental health are the main factors facilitating seeking professional help. However, fear, lack of family support, and the time-consuming procedures were the main barriers emerging from the open-ended questions. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes by identifying facilitating factors as well as barriers in an Arabic context (Oman) to fill the exiting knowledge gap; both need to be considered when planning interventions targeting the younger individuals in this society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al Omari
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Atika Khalaf
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | | | - Iman Al Hashmi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mohammad Al Qadire
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Faculty of Nursing, Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
| | - Mickael Joseph
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Jalal Damra
- Psychology Department, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Educational Psychology and Counselling Department, College of Education, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Al Omari O, Khalaf A, Al Hashmi I, Al Qadire M, Abu Shindi Y, Al Sabei S, Matani N, Jesudoss D. A comparison of knowledge and attitude toward mental illness among secondary school students and teachers. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:109. [PMID: 35488319 PMCID: PMC9052537 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00820-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The current study aimed to assess and compare the level of knowledge and attitude towards mental illness between secondary school students and their teachers in Oman. Methods An online survey was carried out to collect data from 400 students and 411 teachers about their knowledge and attitudes toward people with mental illness. Two independent case studies about depression and schizophrenia were also tested. Results Students have a poor knowledge of mental illness compared with their teachers, as more than half scored less than 60% compared with 16.5% of the teachers. More than two-thirds of the students (80%) and teachers (76.4%) have a low or minor positive attitude toward people with mental illness. The study identified significant differences in knowledge in favour of teachers, although the opposite was found regarding attitudes. Conclusions Since students spend a significant amount of time in school, bridging the gap between teachers' and students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental illness is an essential part in enhancing the knowledge and attitudes of the students. In addition, knowledgeable teachers with positive attitude can assist in early identification of mental illnesses and help students when needed. In turn, students who possess knowledge and positive attitude toward mental illness can share their concerns with their teachers. In the presence of such accepting and cooperative environment, the stigma can be decreased and early detection of mental illness and help-seeking behaviour can be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al Omari
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Atika Khalaf
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. .,Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, 291 88, Kristianstad, Sweden.
| | - Iman Al Hashmi
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mohammad Al Qadire
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Faculty of Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan
| | | | | | - Nasir Matani
- College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Sandhu B. The Challenge of Teaching Emotive Subject Content within the Pre-registration Nursing Program-A Retrospective Review. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2021; 44:86-89. [PMID: 33974456 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2021.1925074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bally Sandhu
- Children & Young People's Nursing, Faculty of Health, Education and Society, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
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Al Omari O, Al Sabei S, Al Rawajfah O, Abu Sharour L, Aljohani K, Alomari K, Shkman L, Al Dameery K, Saifan A, Al Zubidi B, Anwar S, Alhalaiqa F. Prevalence and Predictors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Youth at the Time of COVID-19: An Online Cross-Sectional Multicountry Study. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2020; 2020:8887727. [PMID: 33062331 PMCID: PMC7537692 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8887727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental illnesses among young people. Crisis like the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may increase the current prevalence of these illnesses. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to (1) explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among youth and (2) identify to what extent certain variables related to COVID-19 could predict depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) among young people in six different countries. Participants were requested to complete an online survey including demographics and the DAS scale. A total of 1,057 participants from Oman (n = 155), Saudi Arabia (n = 121), Jordan (n = 332), Iraq (n = 117), United Arab Emirates (n = 147), and Egypt (n = 182) completed the study. The total prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 57%, 40.5%, and 38.1%, respectively, with no significant differences between countries. Significant predictors of stress, anxiety, and depression were being female, being in contact with a friend and/or a family member with mental illness, being quarantined for 14 days, and using the internet. In conclusion, COVID-19 is an epidemiological crisis that is casting a shadow on youths' DAS. The restrictions and prolonged lockdowns imposed by COVID-19 are negatively impacting their level of DAS. Healthcare organisations, in collaboration with various sectors, are recommended to apply psychological first aid and design appropriate educational programmes to improve the mental health of youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al Omari
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Nursing, Muscat, Oman
- Curtin University, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Omar Al Rawajfah
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Nursing, Muscat, Oman
- College of Nursing, Al al-Bayt University, Jordan
| | - Loai Abu Sharour
- ALZaytoonah University of Jordan, College of Nursing, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Khaled Alomari
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Nursing, Muscat, Oman
| | - Lina Shkman
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Nursing, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Ahmed Saifan
- Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Samh Anwar
- Alexandria University, College of Nursing, Alexandria, Egypt
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