Objective: To gain an understanding of how stigma associated with mental illness exists in Sri Lanka from the
perspectives of community mental health workers and to explore their views on how stigma may be tackled in the
future.
Methods: Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit community mental health workers for
this small qualitative study. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The data
were analyzed using the ‘thematic framework’ approach.
Results: Stigma is associated with the family unit; there is strong faith in traditional beliefs and healers; and negative
attitudes and behaviours exist regarding mental illness. Community mental health workers are influenced by
poor health seeking behaviours and low prioritization of mental health services in the country.
Conclusions: This study provides insight into how stigma exists in Sri Lankan communities and influences the
work of community mental health workers. Findings reinforce existing international health literature and thus convey
that stigma is an important issue that must be tackled globally.
Implications: Community mental health workers can contribute to reducing stigma by increasing awareness of
mental illness in various ways but increasing the availability of services within Sri Lanka is also a key to reducing
stigma.