Prevalência do estigma em relação à Doença Mental em profissionais de saúde portugueses: Um estudo descritivo e comparativo

Abstract

Background: Stigmatizing attitudes by healthcare professionals can be a barrier to accessing health care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of stigma related to mental illness, comparing it between mental health professionals and other healthcare workers, including General Practitioners (GPs), as well as the influence of personal history or contact with a friend/relative with mental illness. Materials and methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was conducted, with online data collection via Google Forms®. Participants were recruited from different professional associations and Health Center Groups. The Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers (OMS-HC), validated for Portugal, was used. Results: Overall, healthcare professionals in Portugal showed low to moderate levels of stigma. Mental health professionals showed significantly lower levels of stigma compared to other healthcare professionals (including GPs). Having a close friend/relative with mental illness also appears to be a protective factor against stigma, while a personal history of mental illness indicates higher levels of stigma. Conclusion: Future studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of potential anti-stigma measures and to understand why experiencing mental illness oneself can contribute to increased stigma.