Exploring mental health stigma among Indonesian healthcare students towards individuals with mental illnesses: a qualitative study

Background: The social disapproval or stigma surrounding mental illness contributes to the postponement of individuals seeking assistance and frequently undermines therapeutic alliances between mental illness sufferers and health care professionals. Aims: This study explored perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with mental illness among college healthcare students in Indonesia. Methods: This study used a qualitative method. Twenty five students enrolled in six healthcare programs were interviewed using a semi structured format. The data analysis adopted a thematic analysis. Results: Our thematic analysis generated four main themes: (1) general perceptions of mental health and mental illness; (2) knowledge about mental illness; (3) mental health stigma; and (4) mental health stigma campaigns. Conclusions: The participants exhibited positive perceptions of mentally ill people. Students understood mental health, and they exhibited positive attitudes toward mentally ill people. Some students have stigma and lack of confidence to assist those who have mental illness. Further efforts are required to acquaint students with mental health issues and facilitate their interaction with mentally ill individuals. Anti-stigma campaigns are required to combat the pervasive stigmatization of individuals with mental illness. It is recommended to conduct a more extensive study about the stigma that students encounter in relation to mentally ill individuals.