Study of Self Stigma, Perceived Discrimination, and its Correlation with Drug Attitudes and Impact of Educational Intervention

Background: Anticipated self-stigma refers to the internalization of negative stereotypes about people who seek help, and perceived public stigma refers to discrimination and devaluation by others. Individuals in need of psychiatric treatment often avoid seeking help because of stigma. This study examined the impact of two stigma dimensions on adherence to treatment and discontinuation of medication; the impact of psychoeducation on self-stigma and perceived devaluation and discrimination. Aim: The aim of the study was to study the level of self-stigma about mental illness and perceived discrimination in mentally ill patients, their relation with treatment compliance, and the impact of psychoeducation on stigma and perceived discrimination. Settings and Design: It was a quasi-experimental study among 100 psychiatric ill patients 18–70 years of age of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat from October 2022 to April 2024. Methodology: The study was conducted after taking prior written informed consent. A total of 100 symptomatically stable psychiatric ill patients were included. Internalized stigma about mental illness and perceived devaluation discrimination were assessed using the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness-9 scale and Perceived Devaluation Discrimination Scale before and after psychoeducation; drug attitudes were assessed using the Drug Attitude Inventory. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical tests applied were: mean and standard deviation, t -test, ANOVA test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The prevalence of internalized stigma was found to be 70% and the prevalence of Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination was found to be 31%. As the severity of Internalizes Stigma increased, perceived devaluation also increased and drug attitudes became less positive in psychiatric ill patients. After psychoeducation, the prevalence of Internalized Stigma was found to be 16% and prevalence of Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination was found to be 10%. Conclusion: It was seen that about two thirds of the study population had mild to severe levels of Internalized Stigma related to Mental Illness and about one third had Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination due to their mental illness. Psychoeducation has a significant positive impact in reducing Self-Stigma as well as Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination.