The delaying effect of stigma on mental health help-seeking in Sri Lanka.
BACKGROUND
Mental health stigma has been associated with delays in seeking treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To describe perceived stigma experienced by patients and carers in Sri Lanka and to determine the effects of stigma on help-seeking delay.


METHODS
Survey of outpatients and family carers (n = 118 dyads) attending two psychiatric hospitals in Sri Lanka, using the Disclosure and Discrimination subscales of the Stigma Scale.


RESULTS
Stigma was positively related to help-seeking delay for carers but not patients. Public stigma experienced by carers accounted for 23% of the variance in help-seeking delay.


CONCLUSIONS
Reducing stigma may reduce help-seeking delays during the course of treatment.
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Sunera M
SM
Fernando
Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia.
Frank P
FP
Deane
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
Hamish J
HJ
McLeod
D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D013188:Sri Lanka; D013997:Time Factors
Sri Lanka; help-seeking; mental illness; social exclusion; stigma