Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Among Community Pharmacists in Jordan: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Rana K. Abu‐Farha, Noor Saleh, Karem H. Alzoubi, Aya Nawasreh, Muna Barakat, Fahmi Y. Al‐Ashwal, Faten OdehABSTRACT
Background and Aims
This study aimed to assess the mental health literacy (MHL) of community pharmacists in Jordan and identify factors influencing stigma towards mental health disorders (MHDs).
Methods
A cross sectional survey design was used among an adequate sample of community pharmacists in Jordan; a pre‐designed questionnaire was shared using Google Forms via social media. A multi‐section survey queried knowledge based upon MHL as well as measures of stigma (The Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS‐HC‐15) related to MHDs. Data were analyzed using SPSS® software, and linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with stigma toward MHDs.
Results
A total of 268 pharmacists participated in the study. The median age was 28 years (IQR = 5.0), and 36.2% ( n = 97) reported receiving formal mental health training. Additionally, 81.7% ( n = 219) expressed willingness to provide mental health support in their pharmacy practice. The median MHL score was 5.0 out of 9 (IQR = 4.0). Pharmacists generally reported low to moderate confidence in managing MHDs. The median OMS‐HC‐15 stigma score was 47.0 (IQR = 6.0), indicating moderate levels of stigma. The most commonly reported barriers to providing mental health care were lack of specialized training (76.1%), insufficient private space for confidential discussions (75.0%), lack of reimbursement for mental health services (74.6%), insufficient communication with other healthcare professionals (70.5%), and time constraints (69.4%). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher MHL scores were significantly associated with lower stigma scores (B = −0.927, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Community pharmacists in Jordan have expressed a desire to provide mental health care but experience challenges because of a lack of training and stigma. Enhancing the education of Community Pharmacists regarding mental health will allow them to take on a greater role in caring for patients with mental health needs.