Factors determining social distance toward people with depression among community pharmacists.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to measure stigma among community pharmacists regarding patients with depression, using social distance as a proxy measure. Furthermore, factors influencing stigmatization were identified.

METHODS

A survey consisting of questions regarding social distance, cognitive attitude components, stereotypical beliefs and behavioural tendencies towards pharmaceutical care for patients with depression was carried out. The survey was completed by 149 community pharmacists with a response rate of 82%. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to the results of the survey.

RESULTS

Most pharmacists endorsed social distance towards patients with depression. The social distance further increased the more the situation described implied "social closeness". Age, depression care attitude, the stereotypical belief "danger to others" and the level of involvement pharmacists showed towards patients with depression were found to predict social distance. The present model explains 32.3% of the variance in social distance.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that community pharmacists have a stigmatizing attitude towards patients with depression. The determinants found to influence these stigmatizing attitudes might be addressed when trying to reduce stigmatization of patients with depression.