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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Strategies to reduce the stigma toward people with mental disorders in Iran: stakeholders’ perspectives

Authors: Arsia Taghva, Zahra Farsi, Yavar Javanmard, Afsaneh Atashi, Ahmad Hajebi, Ahmad Ali Noorbala

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Stigma affects all aspects of mental disorders, and is the most important risk factor for promoting mental health. The aim of this study was to explore strategies effective in reducing the stigma toward people with mental disorders in Iran.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted from 2013 to 2016. All participants were recruited by purposive sampling method. The majority of them were stakeholders of mental health in Iran. Data were collected through eight individual interviews, two focus groups, and six written narratives. The data were collected, coded and analyzed simultaneously. Content analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative interview data.

Results

The major themes that emerged were: “Emphasis on education and changing attitudes”, “Changing the culture”, “Promoting supportive services”, “Role of various organizations and institutions”, “Integrated reform of structures and policies to improve the performance of custodians”, and “Evidence-based actions”.

Conclusions

This study did not investigate the extent of stigma or its origins, rather it examines strategies appropriate for implementation in Iran. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for reducing the stigma attached to patients with mental disorders.
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Metadata
Title
Strategies to reduce the stigma toward people with mental disorders in Iran: stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors
Arsia Taghva
Zahra Farsi
Yavar Javanmard
Afsaneh Atashi
Ahmad Hajebi
Ahmad Ali Noorbala
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1169-y

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