Public stigma on substance users in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Public stigma is a form of devaluation by other people’s negative reactions to a specific behavior or mental health condition. When dealing with the physical consequences of addiction, substance users experience distress due to negative prejudice against them and their families. Method: In Shanghai, China, a community survey was conducted with four experimental vignettes to examine the general public’s experience with mental health issues and their perceptions toward substance users. Respondents were randomly assigned to answer one of these vignettes regarding public stigma toward a male or female vignette subject (VS) with substance addiction. Results: Data from 123 respondents showed no statistical significance in public stigma perception toward a male or female subject either with alcohol or cocaine misuse problems. However, older individuals perceived mental illness more negatively when it is connected to substance addiction. These respondents see public stigma as a matter of “family shame,” “hostility,” “discrimination,” and “labeling” that represent the risks that hinder help-seeking. Conclusion: This study suggests designing culturally sensitive treatment models that could help substance users recognize face-saving factors in their help-seeking process. Community education as a prevention measure should emphasize the importance of treating substance users as an individual, not as a problem.