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Ali RM, Aljabri AA, Hariri NH, Bokhari GS, Alturkistani SA, Albishri NA, Alzahrani HA, Alghamdi SA, Alhazmi RT, Alfalogy EH. Emergency Physicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Psychiatric Emergencies in Makkah's General Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2024; 15:433-446. [PMID: 38799239 PMCID: PMC11128228 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s463479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency physicians (EPs) related to psychiatric emergencies (PEs) in Makkah's general hospitals. Sample and Methods This study was an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed to 138 EPs in the emergency departments (EDs) of six public hospitals in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia, between March 15 and May 1, 2023. A convenience sample was used for data collection. The questionnaire was developed after related surveys in the literature were reviewed. Results 59.9% of the physicians were aged 20-30 years. Most (68.8%) worked in hospitals that had psychiatric facilities. Regarding knowledge, only 30% of the emergency doctors were considered knowledgeable: the majority could identify PEs (79.7%), perform mental status examinations (71.0%), distinguish physical and mental symptoms (66.7%), and communicate with psychiatric patients (58.0%). However, only 52.9% could initiate management plans by prescribing psychiatric medication to patients. In relation to attitude, most physicians disagreed with the idea that healthcare practitioners do not need to advocate for psychiatric patients (67.4%), but many (62.3%) assumed that they do not have the responsibility to manage psychiatric patients, and they felt that conducting psychiatric evaluations in public hospitals is challenging because of the busy environment there. As regards practice, mentally ill patients (60.9%) were managed or referred by practices, and 56.5% of the EPs advised these patients upon discharge. Conclusion The study showed that EPs have positive attitudes toward psychiatric patients, but their knowledge varied based on age, occupation levels, and years of experience. There were significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding effective communication with psychiatric patients. Additionally, many EPs manage psychiatric patients without being aware of the psychiatric resources in their hospital. Improving medical school curricula and postgraduate training can enhance care. However, more research in this field is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghad M Ali
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nahla H Hariri
- Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadi S Bokhari
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nidaa A Albishri
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shuruq A Alghamdi
- Directorate of Health Affairs, Eradah Complex for Mental Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Renad T Alhazmi
- College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas H Alfalogy
- Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez -Canal University, Ismalia, Egypt
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Booth WA, Abuhmida M, Anyanwu F. Mental health stigma: a conundrum for healthcare practitioners in conservative communities. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1384521. [PMID: 38813403 PMCID: PMC11133673 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1384521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper presents perspectives on the stigma and shame around mental health in conservative communities, and some of the issues faced by health systems in those communities. The various causes of stigma are explored, and how these are often more pronounced in culturally reserved, conservative communities. While health systems are supposed to provide support for mental health sufferers, this stigma sometimes even extends to healthcare workers, which can discourage patients from asking for assistance. Solutions and reforms are needed, for example education programs; addressing gender norms, and the consideration of culture and religion, to form effective solutions. It is also suggested that alternative therapies and support mechanisms, including digital solutions such as artificial intelligence chatbots, may be useful to provide much needed support to individuals with poor mental health. Along with integrating options such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), it may be useful to draw on indigenous psychologies, such as Islamic psychology, as a way of decolonizing approaches. Therefore, when considering solutions, cultural and religious norms must be considered to ensure their efficacy and acceptance.
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Ocho ON, Moorley C, Richardson Sheppard C, Caesar-Greasley LA, Hardy S. Cultural Influences on Mental Health Provision in the Caribbean: How Do Contemporary Perceptions and Beliefs About Persons With Mental Illness Inform Workforce Transformation? J Transcult Nurs 2023; 34:14-23. [PMID: 36082626 DOI: 10.1177/10436596221121329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental illness is a global phenomenon in society, including trained health professionals, often responding to people with mental illness based on perceptions and beliefs. The research examined "contemporary perceptions and beliefs about mental illness held by stakeholders" attending a mental health symposium in Trinidad. METHODS Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Overall, 84 attendees working directly or experienced in mental health completed the survey. RESULTS Respondents believed mental illness should be treated within local community settings. Participants who were more comfortable sharing their mental health diagnosis with friends were more likely to share with others, including their employers. There was a relationship between perception of the superstitious causes of mental illness and its effects on healing. DISCUSSION Qualifications and experience in mental health do not reduce stigma associated with mental illness which has implications for addressing mental health literacy among health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Noel Ocho
- University of the West Indies (UWISoN), St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | | | | | - Sally Hardy
- University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
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Tesfaye Y, Birhanu Z, Agenagnew L, Anand S, Yitbarek K, Ahmed G, Getnet M, Tucho GT. Knowledge and attitude of health extension workers regarding mental health problems in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e048381. [PMID: 35228273 PMCID: PMC8886427 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health extension workers' (HEWs') knowledge and attitude regarding mental health problems are vital for integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare services. However, information in this context is scarce in Ethiopia. So, this study aimed to assess HEWs' knowledge and attitude towards mental health problems in Jimma, Ethiopia. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Five districts in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, 2020. PARTICIPANTS A total of 259 HEWs working in selected five districts were included in the study. OUTCOME The knowledge and attitude status of HEWs towards mental health problems. RESULTS Nearly half of the respondents had inadequate knowledge (122,47.1%) and an unfavourable attitude (125, 48.3%). Most (139, 53.7%) described mental illness as due to evil spirits' possession. Almost all (240, 92.7%) of the respondents reported talking or laughing alone as a manifestation of mental illness. Almost two-thirds (157, 60.6%) of the respondents reported people with mental illness are dangerous. About a quarter (63, 24.3%) of the participants stated witch doctors should manage mental illnesses. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of the study respondents had poor knowledge and attitude towards mental health problems. Short-term and long-term mental health training is needed to improve their perception level and to provide effective community mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Tesfaye
- Department of Psychiatry, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Birhanu
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Susan Anand
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Kiddus Yitbarek
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gutema Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Masrie Getnet
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gudina Terefe Tucho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Wang M, Wang Y, Xu J, Meng N, Li X, Liu Z, Huang J. Individual-level socioeconomic status and contact or familiarity with people with mental illness: a cross-sectional study in Wuhou District, Chengdu, Southwest China. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:71. [PMID: 33836653 PMCID: PMC8035729 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background People with mental illness (PWMI) often suffer from public stigma, which can make them unwilling to seek help and reduce access to early treatment. The aims of this study were to determine attitudes towards PWMI among the general public in a Chinese sample and to explore the relationships with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019. The participants’ attitudes towards PWMI were evaluated by the Chinese version of the Social Distance Scale (SDSC). An independent-sample T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to determine the association of categorical variables with the outcome variable. Multiple linear regression and Spearman correlations were computed to explore the correlation between SDSC scores and individual-level socioeconomic status (SES). Results A total of 1437 participants were recruited, and their total SDSC score was 12.53 (SD: 3.11). Univariate analysis results showed that age, education level, educational attainment, and individual-level SES as well as whether they were caregivers/family members of PWMI were correlated with SDSC scores. The results of regression analysis showed a significant effect caused by contact or familiarity with PWMI (B = -1.134, β = -.190, P < 0.001), as well as for individual-level SES (B = -.339, β = -.110, P < 0.001). Spearman correlation results showed that SDSC scores were negatively correlated with individual-level SES (r = -.078, p < 0.01) and contact or familiarity with PWMI (r = -.168, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study reveals that public stigma towards PWMI is common in Southwest China. Individuals who are not a family member or a caregiver of PWMI or have low education level or low individual-level SES need to be provided more anti-stigma interventions. Contacting with PWMI is also a potentially beneficial measure to reduce social distance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01422-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Wang
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxuexiang No.37, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Na Meng
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaolin Li
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junqiang Huang
- Chengdu Dekang Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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