Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Cureus
Abstract
Background
Individuals with mental illness are stigmatized by peers in societal, workplace, and healthcare settings. The stigmatization individuals experience from healthcare providers is well documented and pervasive, often being a detriment to the quality of healthcare these individuals receive.
Objective
Recognizing and addressing stigmatization toward individuals with mental illnesses is imperative during residency training in Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs and throughout professional practice. We hope that this cross-sectional study will cultivate mindfulness and improve the healthcare outcomes of stigmatized individuals.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using a web-based Attitude to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) with additional scenarios was utilized to assess stigma among resident physicians in differing specialties in a hospital training system. The research investigators collected anonymous data on demographics, characteristics, specialties, and the AMIQ. In eight vignettes, participants responded to five items using a five-point Likert scale assessing attitudes toward individuals.
Results
Of the 104 resident physicians enrolled in the hospital training system where the study was conducted, 58 (56%) volunteered to participate. The participating residents markedly exhibited negative attitudes toward the individual in the vignette with multiple inpatient psychiatric admissions. Residents also exhibited more negative attitudes toward individuals with schizophrenia, self-harm by way of overdose, psychedelic users, cannabis users, and alcohol problems compared to diabetic and Christian individuals.
Conclusions
Residents exhibited negative attitudes toward individuals with mental illness. Additional research would further our understanding of the reasons for physician bias. Moreover, GME programs and medical educators can play a crucial role in mitigating stigma among future physicians, thereby enhancing care for individuals with mental illness.
DOI
10.7759/cureus.61648
Publication Date
6-4-2024
Keywords
schizophrenia, AMIQ, bias, resident physicians, stigmatization, mental illness, stigma
ISSN
2168-8184
Recommended Citation
Hemingway J, Kunz J, Draney D, Martin DE, Sukpraprut-Braaten S. Evaluating Stigmatization Toward Mental Illnesses Among Resident Physicians. Cureus. 2024; 16(6). doi: 10.7759/cureus.61648.
