Abstract
Limited knowledge and poor attitudes among mental health providers contribute to stigma towards individuals with mental illness, adversely affecting treatment experience and outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving mental health providers’ knowledge and attitudes toward stigma-based practices. The clinical question stated: Among mental health providers, does an educational intervention, compared to standard practice, improve knowledge and attitudes of stigma and promote evidence-based care delivery to adolescents aged 13 to 19 with mental illness within six weeks? The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) was the framework used to implement the quasi-experimental study. The two measurable outcomes were increased knowledge and positive attitude. The study was conducted in the outpatient psychiatric clinic, utilizing a convenience sample of 10 participants. A pretest was administered, followed by the intervention, and then a post-test was administered to assess changes in knowledge and attitude. A knowledge questionnaire, the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care Providers-15 tool, and a focus group discussion questionnaire were used in data collection. A paired t-test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and thematic analysis were employed in data analysis. The results showed a statistically significant change in knowledge of stigma and stigma-based practices in mental health services. Participants also showed a positive attitude after the educational intervention. The implications for practice constitute the need for mental health facilities to implement an anti-stigma educational intervention to transform mental health providers’ knowledge and attitudes and improve service access.
First Page
62
Last Page
77
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Fredrica Murray
(2026)
"Evaluating Mental Health Providers’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Stigma among Teenagers Aged 13 to 19 Years with Mental Illness,"
Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/wctlj/vol3/iss2/8
