Mental illness stigma among indigenous communities in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMental illnesses stigma is a universal and transcultural phenomenon. While mental illnesses stigma is pervasive in Bangladesh, very little research exists on stigma toward mental illnesses among indigenous communities. This study aimed to investigate the prevailing stigma and the risk factors among different indigenous communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out and participants were recruited purposively from Rangamati, a South-Eastern district of Bangladesh in the CHT. Participants from various indigenous communities including Chakma, Marma, Rakhine, Tripura, and Pangkhua were recruited. The 28- item Bangla translated version of the Mental Illnesses Stigma Scale was used. Independent-samples t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression were performed.ResultsThe results indicate evidence of a gender difference with females reporting more stigma than their male counterparts. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, and monthly income are associated with stigma among indigenous people. Further analyses of the subscales indicated significant differences among sociodemographic variables.ConclusionsThe results provide an insight into the prevailing stigma and associate risk factors among indigenous communities. The results may help inform anti-stigma interventions targeting indigenous communities in Bangladesh.

Automated summary

This study investigates the stigma toward mental illnesses among indigenous communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh, and identifies associated risk factors. The results demonstrate a gender difference with females experiencing more stigma. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, and monthly income are found to be associated with stigma among indigenous people. The findings provide valuable insights for developing anti-stigma interventions targeting indigenous communities in Bangladesh.