Stigma Towards Mental Illness at an Academic Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with mental illness may fall victim to stigma. In this cross-sectional study, the authors aimed to explore correlates of stigma towards mental health in a Lebanese private university and its associated tertiary medical center. METHODS: The authors surveyed students, staff, and faculty at the American University of Beirut and its associated medical center. They assessed stigmatizing behaviors via the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS), perceived stigma via the Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale (PDDS), and attitudes towards collaborating with mental health professionals via the Doctors’ Attitudes toward Collaborative Care for Mental Health (DACC-MH). RESULTS: A total of 270 participants (response rate of 18%) provided their responses. The mean scores on the RIBS and PDDS were 15.26 ± 4.75 and 32.25 ± 2.70, respectively. Participants who had higher scores on RIBS were more likely to be younger than 25 years of age (OR=1.869; p=0.026), to have a history of mental illness (OR=2.657; p=0.003), and to interact with individuals with a psychiatric disorder (OR=2.287; p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Results show a mixed pattern of stigmatizing behaviors and perceptions towards mental illness. This highlights the need for mental health awareness campaigns and interventions in the country.