AFFILIATE STIGMA AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG CAREGIVERS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
Creators: name: ANTARYAMI SAHOO
name: MIHIR RANJAN NAYAK
name: MANASI RANI PANDA
name: MANASWINI DASH
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: Affiliate Stigma, Attitudes, Mental Health, Caregivers &amp; Schizophrenia.

description: Abstract

Background: This study explores the relationship between affiliate stigma and attitudes towards seeking mental health services among caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. Affiliate stigma, the internalisation of societal stigma due to association with a stigmatised individual, can negatively impact caregivers' mental health and willingness to pursue support.  Aim of the Study: To investigate the relationship between affiliate stigma and attitudes toward seeking mental health services among caregivers of schizophrenia. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based design, conducted at the Mental Health Institute (MHI), Centre of Excellence (COE), SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Participants recruited using a purposive sampling method from both the OPD and IPD of the MHI (COE), SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. The study Was involved a total of 60 caregivers aged between 18 and 50 yrs, including both sexes & fulfilled the appropriate socio demographic profiles. The research span one year, from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024. Inclusion Criteria of patients: 1. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia based on the ICD-10 and DCR criteria. 2. Duration of illness must be minimum two years. Exclusion Criteria of patients: 1. Presence of any other comorbid psychiatric disorders or chronic medical illness. 2. Illness less than 2 years. Inclusion Criteria for Caregivers: 1. Caregivers who have lived with the patients for a minimum of 2 years and have been providing emotional support. 2.Caregivers who are willing to provide informed consent. 3.Caregivers must have completed at least the 10th grade. 4.Caregivers should be aged between 18 and 50 years and of both sexes. Exclusion Criteria for Caregivers: 1. Caregivers who are suffering from any psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, organic syndromes, mental retardation, or chronic physical illnesses are excluded. 2.Caregivers who are unwilling to provide consent. Result: After the initial interview, data will be collected using the Affiliate Stigma Scale (Hindi version) and the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) questionnaires. The results will be analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between male and female caregivers of schizophrenia patients. Most caregivers identified as Hindu and belonged to non-tribal backgrounds. Maximum were married, lived in nuclear families, and 10th passed, lower SES and unskilled jobs. The study revealed that higher levels of affiliate stigma were associated with more negative attitudes toward seeking mental health services. A significant relationship was established between affiliate stigma and these attitudes, with increased stigma leading to a decreased likelihood of caregivers pursuing mental health support.