Anju Sreeram

Supervisors: Professor Wendy Cross and Dr Louise Townsin
School of Nursing and Healthcare Professions
anjusreeram@students.federation.edu.au
Doctor of Philosophy

“Mental health anti-stigma education: a systematic quantitative review”

Background: Evidence shows that prejudicial attitudes are evident among health professionals (Maranzan, (2016); Stull et al.,  (2017); Reavlely & Jorm, (2013). Strategies targeting stigma on mental illness for mental health professionals are limited (Reavlely & Jorm, 2013). Therefore, the purpose of the current review is to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of anti-stigma education intervention among mental health professionals.
Aim: The review aims to assess the effectiveness of anti-stigma interventions among mental health professionals.

Method and quality appraisal: A systematic review was conducted based on Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] Reviewers Manual (2014). Quality check of the selected studies was undertaken using the experimental JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. The heterogeneity of the papers directed to narrative review instead of meta-analysis.

Result: The analysis showed that contact based and non – contact based antistigma strategies had a positive impact on the attitudes of health professionals. Results suggest that contact-based interventions are more effective.

Conclusion: Anti-stigma interventions are effective in changing the attitudes of health professionals working in community settings. Future investigations should focus on homogeneous groups such as attitudes of nurses working in acute inpatient psychiatric unit.

Anju Sreeram is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee-Offset Scholarship through Federation University.