Primary care physicians' attitudes towards patients with mental health problems in Hong Kong

Abstract

Stigma attached to mental illness discourages people in need from seeking professional help for their health problems. Its adverse implications on public health render it an important healthcare issue. Albeit much research work was carried out with respect to opinions held by various professions towards a variety of illnesses within different contexts as well as their relationship with factors like education and clinical experiences, most of them were Western studies and the situation in Hong Kong, especially in the primary care setting, is far from clear. An understanding of the local situation can provide useful information for the furtherance of quality medical care and also an opportunity for professionals in the field to reflect on their own attitudes towards mental illness.