The influence of virtual clinics on perceptions of stigma, appointment compliance among patients with mental illness and substance use disorder: Findings from the cross-sectional design

Virtual health clinics have various benefits in the healthcare process, especially in ensuring individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders access timely care. To examine the impact of virtual health clinics on perceptions of stigma and appointment compliance among patients with mental illness and substance use disorder. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia at Eradah Complex for Mental health Services. The study recruited 300 participants with mental illness and substance use disorder using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, internalized stigma of mental illness scale and appointment compliance questionnaire. The results showed that the Mean ISMI subscale scores were clustered around the midpoint (Alienation M = 2.51 ± 1.13; Stereotype Endorsement M = 2.48 ± 1.12; Perceived Discrimination M = 2.49 ± 1.13; Social Withdrawal M = 2.51 ± 1.13; Stigma Resistance M = 2.52 ± 1.11; total ISMI M = 2.50 ± 0.20). Missed appointments averaged 2.14 ± 1.70 visits. All ISMI subscales were strongly associated with general stigma (.361-.450, p < .001); Alienation and Social Withdrawal were weakly inversely correlated (r = -.121, p = .036). Stigma did not differ significantly by age, gender, or diagnosis (all p > .05). Virtual clinics in Jeddah are associated with moderate internalized stigma and compliance styles that are congruent with face-to-face care. Whereas stigma dimensions are highly correlated with each other, demographic variables do not predict stigma levels.