Stigma Towards Mental Illness Among Tanta University Students, Egypt

Abstract

A “mental disorder” can be defined as a “behavioral or psychological syndrome that occurs in an individual. It represents about 13% of the global disease burden which is expected increase to 15% by 2020. Moreover, by 2020, depression is expected to be second to ischemic heart disease as a contributor in the global disease burden. This study aimed to assessment of stigmatizing beliefs towards mental illness among students, in Tanta University, Egypt. The study was conducted on medical, pharmaceutical and science faculties, Tanta University, Egypt during October and November 2018. The methods were a self administered questionnaire consisted of two parts sociodemographic factors and Belief about Mental Illness Scale. The results were: the pharmaceutical students have more negative beliefs towards mental illness than other students. The study concluded that: science students showing a more positive belief towards mental illness followed by medical then pharmaceutical students.