Understanding the stigma: a novel quantitative study comparing mental health attitudes and perceptions between young British Muslims and their non-Muslims peers.
Aya Musbahi, Zainib Khan, Paul Welsh, Nazim Ghouri, Amanullah Durrani
Author Information
Aya Musbahi: South Tees NHS Trust, James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Zainib Khan: Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Paul Welsh: BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. ORCID
Nazim Ghouri: BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. ORCID
BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of young British Muslims identify themselves by religious identity rather than ethnicity however very few mental health studies have focused on this cohort. AIMS: To explore whether young British Muslims' knowledge, awareness and perceptions of mental illness differ to their non-Muslim peers. METHOD: Population based survey of second generation Muslims ( = 83) and non-Muslims ( = 76) aged 18-35. Anonymised 38-item questionnaire on mental health attitudes, perceptions and help seeking behaviours. RESULTS: Muslims were less likely to correctly identify symptoms of mental illness compared to their non-Muslim peers. Stigma and awareness remains a major issue. A third of Muslims would consider stopping medication on advice of a religious leader. Nearly half of Muslims were more likely to attend a dedicated ethnic/religious mental health service. CONCLUSIONS: British Muslim views and attitudes of mental health differ from their non-Muslim counterparts. Services should ensure they are religiously sensitive.
