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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia k.knox@griffith.edu.au.
Kathy
K
Knox
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Jasmina
J
Fejzic
School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Amary
A
Mey
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Jane L
JL
Fowler
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Fiona
F
Kelly
School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Denise
D
McConnell
School of Pharmacy, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia.
Laetitia
L
Hattingh
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Amanda J
AJ
Wheeler
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010594:Pharmacies; D013240:Stereotyping; D055815:Young Adult
Stigma; caregivers; community pharmacy; consumers; mental health