Perceived stigma toward individuals with mental illness and their families: perspectives of patients’ relatives in a multicentric Egyptian study

Abstract Introduction Stigma and discrimination linked to mental illness profoundly impact patients as well as their families, who typically experience social withdrawal and increased hesitancy to access help services. This can lead to mental health underuse and escalating caregiver psychological distress. Aim In this study, we aimed to assess stigma attitudes in family members of patients with psychiatric disorders and the consequences both for their psychological well-being and for patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional, multicenter study including 633 relatives of patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders attending clinics in four governorates of the Delta region in Egypt. A sociodemographic and clinical data sheet was prepared for both patients and their relatives. Stigma was assessed using the Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination Scale to assess patient-focused and family-focused stigma. Results Patient-focused stigma was reported by 64% of the participants, with family-focused stigma by 37.4% and an overall prevalence of stigma in 57.7% of participants. Higher patient-focused stigma was significantly associated with illiterate relatives, and single patients, who had longer illness duration, were non-compliant with treatment, or had frequent hospitalizations. Family-focused stigma was more common among urban residents and was significantly associated with caring for older patients, those living alone, and those diagnosed with either obsessive–compulsive disorder or schizophrenia. Conclusion Stigma remains a substantial burden for both individuals with mental illness and their families, particularly in cases of chronic illness and poor treatment adherence. To mitigate these challenges, there is a pressing need for public education and culturally sensitive interventions to address misconceptions, diminish stigmatizing attitudes, and improve service utilization and caregiver support.