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Community and Health Professionals’ Attitude Toward Depression: a Pilot Study in Nine Eaad Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Gert Scheerder

    (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, gert.scheerder@med.kuleuven.be)

  • Chantal Van Audenhove

    (LUCAS, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium)

  • Ella Arensman

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland)

  • Barbara Bernik

    (Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Giancarlo Giupponi

    (San Maurizio Hospital, Bolzano, Italy)

  • Anne-Claire Horel

    (Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Cergy-Pontoise Cedex, France)

  • Margaret Maxwell

    (Department of Applied Social Science, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK)

  • Merike Sisask

    (Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute, Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Andras Szekely

    (Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University Budapest, Hungary)

  • Airi Värnik

    (Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute and Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Ulrich Hegerl

    (Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Universität Leipzig, Germany)

Abstract

Background: Community facilitators (CFs), such as pharmacists, policemen, teachers and clergy, may be an important community resource for patients with depression in addition to (mental) health professionals. However, they are ill prepared for such a role and little is known about their attitudes toward depression, which may affect practice. Aim: To investigate CFs’ attitudes toward depression and compare them to those of (mental) health professionals and nurses. Method: Attitudes were assessed in participants ( n = 2,670) of training programmes about depression in nine countries of the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD). The EAAD questionnaire included attitudes toward depression and its treatment, perceived causes, preferred treatment options, and knowledge of depression symptoms. Results: CFs and nurses had a more negative attitude toward patients with depression and toward antidepressants, and more limited knowledge of depression symptoms than (mental) health professionals. CFs more frequently supported non-standard treatment for depression. Nurse assistants clearly differed from registered nurses with their attitudes being among the least favourable and their knowledge the most limited of all groups. Conclusions: CFs and nurses had less favourable attitudes and more limited knowledge regarding depression when compared to mental health professionals and doctors. This may negatively affect professional collaboration, challenge optimal treatment and stigmatize patients. CFs’ and nurses’ knowledge and attitudes may be similar to those of the general population and be related to a lack of training in mental health issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Gert Scheerder & Chantal Van Audenhove & Ella Arensman & Barbara Bernik & Giancarlo Giupponi & Anne-Claire Horel & Margaret Maxwell & Merike Sisask & Andras Szekely & Airi Värnik & Ulrich Hegerl, 2011. "Community and Health Professionals’ Attitude Toward Depression: a Pilot Study in Nine Eaad Countries," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 57(4), pages 387-401, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:57:y:2011:i:4:p:387-401
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764009359742
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leavey, Gerard & Loewenthal, Kate & King, Michael, 2007. "Challenges to sanctuary: The clergy as a resource for mental health care in the community," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(3), pages 548-559, August.
    2. Link, B.G. & Phelan, J.C. & Bresnahan, M. & Stueve, A. & Pescosolido, B.A., 1999. "Public conceptions of mental illness: Labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(9), pages 1328-1333.
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    Cited by:

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    2. O Abayomi & AO Adelufosi & A Olajide, 2013. "Changing attitude to mental illness among community mental health volunteers in south-western Nigeria," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 59(6), pages 609-612, September.

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