The stigma of mental disorders in nursing students

Abstract

Introduction: people with mental disorders still suffer today from a strong stigma associated with their illness. Healthcare professionals and future nurses are key actors in reducing this stigma, fostering acceptance, integration and equality. Objectives: to identify the degree of stigma towards mental disorders in nursing students. Material and methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study of Nursing Degree students at the University of Girona. A sociodemographic data survey and the Community Attitudes Toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI), Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS) and Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) scales were administered. Results: 236 students took part (46.3%; n = 510), with a mean age of 22.02 (SD = 4.60) years. The MAKS (stigma-related knowledge) and CAMI (stigmatizing attitudes towards mental disorders) scales showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) with taking the mental health subject and placement. The RIBS scale (future stigma-related intentionality) showed no relationship with any of the variables studied. Conclusions: nursing students show a good attitude and knowledge in relation to the stigma towards mental disorders, which improves after taking the mental health subject and practicum.