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Perception of and Attitude towards Mental Illness in Oman

Author

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  • Samir Al-Adawi

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 35, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Tel/Fax: (968) 545203adawi@squ.edu.om)

  • Atsu S.S. Dorvlo

    (Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman)

  • Suad S. Al-Ismaily
  • Dalal A. Al-Ghafry
  • Balquis Z. Al-Noobi

    (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabiliatation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114-1198, USA)

  • Ahmed Al-Salmi

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 35, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman)

  • David T. Burke
  • Mrugeshkumar K. Shah

    (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114-1198, USA)

  • Harith Ghassany
  • Suma P. Chand

    (Department of Behavioural Sciences and Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 35, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman)

Abstract

Background: As conceptions of mental illness are often dictated by prevailing socio-cultural factors and the philosophy of the time, there is little research to substantiate how mental illness is perceived in the Arab world in the light of both traditional and more recent modernization and acculturation processes. Aims: To examine whether social factors exert an influence on a person's attitude towards people with mental illness (PWMI) in the rapidly changing country of Oman. Methods: This study compares the response elicited from medical students, relatives of psychiatric patients and the general Omani public on the causes of mental illness, attitudes toward PWMI and the care and management of people with mental illness. Results: This study found no relationship between attitudes towards PWMI, and demographic variables such as age, educational level, marital status, sex and personal exposure to people with mental illness. Both medical students and the public rejected a genetic factor as the cause of mental illness; instead they favoured the role of spirits as the aetiological factor for mental illness. There were favourable responses on statements regarding value of life, family life, decision-making ability, and the management and care of mental illness. However, both medical students and the public thought that PWMI tend to have peculiar and stereotypical appearances and the majority preferred that facilities for psychiatric care should be located away from the community. Although the relatives of psychiatric patients were concerned about the welfare of mental patients, their responses varied and were often contingent upon their expectations. Conclusions: The data suggest that neither socio-demographic factors nor previous exposure to PWMI was related to attitudes towards PWMI. Although the attitudes of Omanis toward PWMI appear to fluctuate in complex ways, traditional beliefs on mental illness have yet to be eroded by exposure to a biomedical model of mental illness. This study largely supports the view that the extent of stigma varies according to the cultural and sociological backgrounds of each society.

Suggested Citation

  • Samir Al-Adawi & Atsu S.S. Dorvlo & Suad S. Al-Ismaily & Dalal A. Al-Ghafry & Balquis Z. Al-Noobi & Ahmed Al-Salmi & David T. Burke & Mrugeshkumar K. Shah & Harith Ghassany & Suma P. Chand, 2002. "Perception of and Attitude towards Mental Illness in Oman," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 48(4), pages 305-317, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:48:y:2002:i:4:p:305-317
    DOI: 10.1177/002076402128783334
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    7. Sara Ali & Danah Elsayed & Saadia Elahi & Belal Zia & Rania Awaad, 2022. "Predicting rejection attitudes toward utilizing formal mental health services in Muslim women in the US: Results from the Muslims’ perceptions and attitudes to mental health study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(3), pages 662-669, May.
    8. Samir Al-Adawi & Zakiya Al-Busaidi & Sara Al-Adawi & David T. Burke, 2012. "Families Coping With Disability Due to Brain Injury in Oman," SAGE Open, , vol. 2(3), pages 21582440124, July.
    9. R. Padmavati & R. Thara & Ellen Corin, 2005. "A Qualitative Study of Religious Practices by Chronic Mentally Ill and their Caregivers in South India," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 51(2), pages 139-149, June.
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