Internalized Stigma and Psychological Distress among Mentally Ill People in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to examine the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological distress among mentally ill people in Bangladesh. Method: A correlational study was conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital Dhaka from January to December 2023. 101participants were recruited using a convenient sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews with structured questionnaires collected data. After data collection, it was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: It was found that there was a highly positive correlation between stigma and psychological distress. Participant's gender, living area, and level of education were highly significant associations with internalized stigma. Psychological distress was highly correlated with gender, marital status, living status, and level of education. Conclusion: This study's findings help mental health nurses lessen internalized stigma and participant psychological distress; the study's baseline data may be utilized to develop evidence-based public health policy nationwide.