STIGMATIZATION OF MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE BY PARAMEDICS – PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Aim: Stigmatization is about making a division – people are grouped into better and worse, people with mental disorders are very often perceived as different, which is why they are largely stigmatized. Mental illnesses are a growing problem among the society of developed countries, therefore, the problem of stigmatization of these people has also become noticeable, which may adversely affect their mental condition and the convalescence process. The aim of the study is to assess the degree of stigmatization of mentally ill people by paramedics. Material and methods: An original questionnaire was used to collect the data, distributed from February 15, 2020 to April 7, 2020. among paramedics working in various medical rescue units and in units cooperating with the National Medical Rescue system. We collected 91 respondents replied. The research was a pilot study. Results: Paramedics are a professional group that does not show any particular signs of stigmatization in relation to the mentally ill, but single responses were obtained, which may indicate a given respondent’s lack of understanding for the mentally ill. Conclusions: In order to prevent stigmatization of the mentally ill, it is very important to educate not only paramedics, but also representatives of other medical professions who have contact with people suffering from mental disorders.