Role of Public Awareness and Healthcare in Preventing Substance Abuse: A Policy Analysis in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is among several developing countries burdened with substance abuse that is compounded by misinformation, cultural beliefs, and inadequate healthcare access. Public perception and consequent exposure to people with substance use disorders have worsened the situation. Public awareness and health policy formulation are crucial in developing preventive strategies to address this issue. A study evaluating the impact of public awareness on healthcare in minimizing stigma and maximizing early interventions in Bangladesh will be discussed. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used to study the effectiveness of a national awareness campaign in collaboration with healthcare stakeholders. Baseline perceptions of public attitudes were augmented using a structured survey administered in August 2023. Subsequently, an extensive awareness campaign was launched across multiple platforms, including community outreach, social media, and healthcare providers. A post-campaign survey was administered to ascertain any changes in awareness and stigma. The community-based seminars and social media-targeted messaging were the most effective strategies. A major proportion of respondents agreed that stigma minimized treatment-seeking. Furthermore, data analysis reveals significant changes (p < .05) in recovery belief, provision of treatment support, trust in healthcare providers, and stigmatization of criminal behavior. In conclusion, prioritized frameworks incorporating localized strategies with high cultural competence, healthcare, and societal leaders should be formulated. Communal healthcare communication and outreach interventions for mental illness at the community level, reducing stigma in Bangladesh.