Attitudes of undergraduate medical students in Baghdad toward mental disorders and people with mental health difficulties

الملخص EN

Background: Stigma associated with mental health disorders is a widespread problem linked to prejudices, attitudes, and misconceptions in society, which are also held by health professionals.

Few studies in the Arab world have evaluated how medical students perceive people with mental health difficulties.

Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of undergraduate medical students toward mental health disorders is important given the likelihood they will be involved, throughout their career, in the care of people with such difficulties.

Aims: The current study explored the beliefs and attitudes of medical students in Baghdad toward mental illnesses and toward people who experience mental health difficulties.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used for a two-part survey containing sociodemographic information and the Beliefs Towards Mental Illness Scale, which was distributed to 4th and 5th year medical students attending the University College of Medicine in Baghdad.

Results: Fifty students, ranging in ages 21 to 26 years, completed the survey.

Findings suggest most students would not be embarrassed about having a relative or dating someone with a mental disorder.

However, most held negative views about the capability of people with mental illnesses and 60% feared what others would think if they were diagnosed with a mental health difficulty.

Conclusion: Awareness raising and review of course materials could go some way to reduce stigma.

Normalization of mental illnesses through psychoeducation may also address the barriers that prevent undergraduate medical students and doctors from seeking help and thus avoiding burnout.

Training courses and researchers also have a responsibility to update material and remove any stigmatizing language.