WITH close to half of Australians expected to experience a mental illness at some stage of their life, research conducted by Griffith University found consumers believe community pharmacists are well placed to provide mental health promotion.
The research explored consumer opinions of mental health promotion in the community pharmacy setting, with more than 85% of respondents saying the pharmacy was a suitable environment.
More than half of respondents believed that both pharmacists and pharmacy support staff were well placed to provide mental health promotion.
"Regular pharmacist-consumer contact (51.2%) and the potential to build relationships (48.4%) were considered key facilitators for pharmacy-based mental health promotion," the authors said.
However, close to 70% of respondents flagged concerns over lack of privacy in the pharmacy setting as a barrier to mental health promotion.
"Participants expressed a preference for pamphlets on the pharmacy counter to promote mental health and wellbeing," the authors said.
"This may be related to the potential anonymity of taking a leaflet to read at home, as pharmacy related stigma has been an issue when seeking mental health support."
"Community pharmacy staff should consider connecting with established organisations/campaigns that are acceptable to consumers.
"The impact that Beyondblue has had in increasing the public's awareness of depression and positive outcomes from the R U OK? campaign further supports their promotion in pharmacy settings."
The study has been published in Health Promotion Journal of Australia.
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