Mental health consumer and caregiver perceptions of stigma in Australian community pharmacies

Kathy Knox; Jasmina Fejzic; Amary Mey; Jane L Fowler; Fiona Kelly; Denise McConnell; Laetitia Hattingh; Amanda J Wheeler

doi:10.1177/0020764013503149

Mental health consumer and caregiver perceptions of stigma in Australian community pharmacies

Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2014 Sep;60(6):533-43. doi: 10.1177/0020764013503149. Epub 2013 Sep 23.

Authors

Kathy Knox¹, Jasmina Fejzic², Amary Mey³, Jane L Fowler⁴, Fiona Kelly⁵, Denise McConnell³, Laetitia Hattingh⁶, Amanda J Wheeler⁵

Affiliations

¹ Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia k.knox@griffith.edu.au.
² Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
³ School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
⁴ Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
⁵ Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
⁶ School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia.

PMID: 24062232
DOI: 10.1177/0020764013503149

Abstract

Background: The stigma of mental illness can be a barrier to effective medication management in the community pharmacy setting. This article explored mental health consumers' or caregivers' experiences of stigma in Australian community pharmacies.

Materials: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of consumers or caregivers (n = 74). Interview transcripts were analysed using a general inductive approach.

Discussion: Stigma presented a barrier to effective mental health management. Self-stigma impeded consumers' community pharmacy engagement. Positive relationships with knowledgeable staff are fundamental to reducing stigma.

Conclusions: Findings provide insight into the stigma of mental illness in community pharmacies.

Keywords: Stigma; caregivers; community pharmacy; consumers; mental health.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Australia / epidemiology
Caregivers / psychology*
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Mental Disorders / psychology*
Middle Aged
Pharmacies*
Stereotyping*
Young Adult