Attitudes of Employees in Mental Health Facilities in Achaia

Abstract

Introduction: The issue of mental illness is accompanied by social stigma, which often affects the treatment of patients. Mental health professionals play a key role in the acceptance and integration of the mentally ill into society, so understanding their attitudes is of particular importance. This paper examines the attitudes of workers in mental health facilities in the prefecture of Achaia and their relationship with the therapeutic treatment of the mentally ill.

Aim: The main research question of the study was the following: "What are the attitudes towards mental illness of employees in mental health facilities in the prefecture of Achaia?". Also, in the context of this study, two research sub-questions are formulated. The first one is to investigate the differences in attitudes towards mental illness between workers in mental health facilities in the prefecture of Achaia who live with a person with mental illness and those who do not. The second sub-question examines the relationship between years of service and attitudes towards mental illness among workers in mental health facilities in the prefecture of Achaia.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire, which was distributed to mental health professionals working in mental health structures in the prefecture of Achaia, such as psychiatric clinics and hospitals. The sample included 80 participants from different specialties (physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers). The questionnaire contained two parts: (a) demographic data and (b) an ASMI (Attitudes to Severe Mental Illness) scale, which assessed the attitudes of professionals towards mental illness.

Results: Results showed that mental health professionals generally maintain positive attitudes toward the mentally ill on all ASMI subscales. Also, sample members who lived with a person who has a mental illness demonstrated statistically significantly more positive attitudes on the «Stereotypes» subscale (x̄=37.63; s=4.9), compared to those who did not live with such a person (x̄=29.88; s=8.12). However, no differences in attitudes were observed according to the years of experience of the professionals (p>.05).

Conclusions: The study concluded that although mental health professionals demonstrate positive attitudes towards mental illness, stereotypes and prejudices remain. Further education of professionals is needed to combat stereotypes and enhance understanding of the emotional and social needs of the mentally ill. Indeed, interesting suggestions for future study were presented through the data on years of experience and living with a person suffering from a mental illness.

Keywords: Attitudes, Mental health professionals, Mental illness, Treatment.