Qualitative analysis reveals stigma and discrimination in mental health care access for service users and carers in Karnataka, suggesting urgent need for intervention.
Key Points
Stigma and discrimination significantly impact access to mental healthcare, undermining treatment effectiveness for individuals in rural Karnataka.
Interviews highlighted stigmatising attitudes from communities and systemic barriers faced by both service users and their carers.
Qualitative interviews were conducted using purposive sampling to gather detailed perspectives relevant to mental health care in the region.
Understanding these experiences emphasizes the need for targeted anti-stigma interventions to improve care access and human rights.