IDENTIFICATION OF THE BELIEFS TOWARD STIGMATIZATION AND MENTAL ILLNESS AMONG RELATIVES OF SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS FOLLOWED UP IN HATAY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS
Gamze Çinçinoğlu
,Hatice Tambag
Aim: This study aims to identify beliefs toward stigmatization and mental illness among relatives of schizophrenia patients followed up in community mental health centers. Method: The sample was relatives of schizophrenia patients who attended CMHCs actively (n=170). Data were collected through the Socio-demographic Form, the Stigmatization Scale for Relatives of Schizophrenia Patients (SSRSP), and Beliefs toward Mental Illnesses Scale (BMIS) in the community mental health centers or at home visits. Findings: SSRSP total mean score of the patient relatives was 30,64±8,35, and BMIS total mean score was 71.81±17.08. A medium-level, positive, and significant relationship was found between SSRSP total and BMIS total scores (r=0,464) (p<0,05). Conclusion: it is recommended to initiate activities for improving attitudes about schizophrenia patients and their relatives and eliminating stigmatization.
Keywords: Stigmatization, Schizophrenia, Patient Relative, Belief