Assessing Mental Health Awareness and Stigma in Hartford, Connecticut, USA

Abstract

Mental health stigma remains a major barrier to timely help-seeking, disclosure, and community support. This study assessed mental health awareness and stigma among adults in Hartford, Connecticut, using a descriptive cross-sectional survey and key informant interviews. A structured questionnaire was completed by 170 adults, and 10 community informants participated in semi-structured interviews. Descriptive findings showed moderate mental health awareness, with particularly strong recognition of the importance of early intervention but weaker awareness of available support services. Education level was significantly associated with awareness. Item-level stigma findings suggested relatively low endorsement of overtly stigmatizing beliefs, although discomfort, concealment-related attitudes, and fear of social judgment persisted. The reported correlation analysis showed an inverse association between awareness and stigma (r = -0.62, p < 0.001). Qualitative themes highlighted limited service access, fear of being judged, demand for more community education, and inconsistent informal support. Overall, the findings support community-based mental health education, improved service visibility, and locally trusted anti-stigma messaging. Interpretation should remain cautious because the study used non-probability sampling, self-reported measures, and a cross-sectional design.