Mental health consumer and caregiver perceptions of stigma in Australian community pharmacies

Abstract

Background: The stigma of mental illness can be a barrier to effective medication management in the community pharmacy setting. This article explored mental health consumers' or caregivers' experiences of stigma in Australian community pharmacies.

Materials: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of consumers or caregivers (n = 74). Interview transcripts were analysed using a general inductive approach.

Discussion: Stigma presented a barrier to effective mental health management. Self-stigma impeded consumers' community pharmacy engagement. Positive relationships with knowledgeable staff are fundamental to reducing stigma.

Conclusions: Findings provide insight into the stigma of mental illness in community pharmacies.

Keywords: Stigma; caregivers; community pharmacy; consumers; mental health.