Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with psychiatric disorders are often unwilling to seek help or often follow treatment regimens, fearing public stigma. This study identified the sociodemographic correlates of public stigma while accounting for mental health literacy and life satisfaction.MethodsThis study analysed data for 1514 individuals who participated in a population-based random telephone survey conducted in 2018. Sociodemographic characteristics included gender, age, education level, and occupation. Data on public stigma, mental health literacy, and life satisfaction were also collected. Multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on public stigma. A moderation analysis was performed to investigate the role of age and education in the relationship between mental health literacy and public stigma.ResultsSociodemographic characteristics, such as female gender, older age, lower education, and occupation (particularly retired and homemakers), were associated with a higher public stigma. The association between public stigma and mental health literacy was the most significant among individuals aged 50 years and above with lower education levels.ConclusionsThis study showed that certain population subgroups, based on their sociodemographic profile, have a higher stigma about mental illnesses. Understanding the differential effects of sociodemographic factors on public stigma is imperative to developing effective anti-stigma campaigns.
Highlights
Individuals with psychiatric disorders are often unwilling to seek help or often follow treatment regimens, fearing public stigma
This study primarily aims to identify the sociodemographic correlates of public stigma while accounting for mental health literacy and life satisfaction
We have investigated if any population subgroup may benefit more from destigmatising programs that focus on improving mental health literacy
Summary
Individuals with psychiatric disorders are often unwilling to seek help or often follow treatment regimens, fearing public stigma. Many studies have reported the effectiveness of anti-stigma programs, and a majority of these works have targeted occupational groups, such as students [4, 5], health care professionals [6, 7], teachers [8], and professionals in direct contact with individuals with mental illness [9,10,11] These programs have reported short-term effects and have been proven beneficial to a limited number of people [12]. In addition to programs for specific population groups, major programs and initiatives on reducing stigma and discrimination against patients with mental illness focus on the general public [9] While both education and contact as intervention strategies can effectively improve attitudes, research has observed differential effects for various age groups [13].
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