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Knowledge About Schizophrenia and Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia in Greece

Author

Listed:
  • Marina Economou

    (University Mental Health Research Institute, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece)

  • Clive Richardson

    (Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece)

  • Christina Gramandani

    (University Mental Health Research Institute, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece)

  • Anastassios Stalikas

    (Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece)

  • Costas Stefanis

    (University Mental Health Research Institute, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Background: This study was the first national survey ever conducted in Greece aiming to monitor the level of stigma Greeks hold against people with schizophrenia (PWS). Aim: To investigate sources, degree of knowledge and attitudes towards PWS in Greece. Method: A cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted by face-to-face household interviews ( n = 1,199, aged 15 years and over). Results: Television was the main source of information (65.9%). Negative portrayals of PWS were recalled by 60.5%. Only 27.7% attributed schizophrenia to a combination of psychosocial, genetic and environmental factors. Respondents believed that PWS are dangerous (74.6%), have split personalities (81.3%) and cannot work (83.2%). Regarding attitudes, a negative relationship between closeness and social distance was observed. Most respondents (92.1%) would not marry someone with schizophrenia, half (50.5%) would be disturbed by working with PWS and one third (32.9%) would feel afraid to start a conversation. Urban residence and higher education were generally associated with better knowledge and more positive attitudes towards PWS. Conclusions: Knowledge about schizophrenia in Greece is poor. The Greek public has stigmatizing attitudes towards PWS. Educational interventions should especially target rural and semi-urban residents of a lower educational level. The role of television can be crucial.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Economou & Clive Richardson & Christina Gramandani & Anastassios Stalikas & Costas Stefanis, 2009. "Knowledge About Schizophrenia and Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia in Greece," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 55(4), pages 361-371, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:55:y:2009:i:4:p:361-371
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764008093957
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ashok Malla & Terry Shaw, 1987. "Attitudes Towards Mental Illnessi: the Influence of Education and Experience," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 33(1), pages 33-41, March.
    2. Heather Stuart, 2005. "Fighting Stigma and Discrimination Is Fighting for Mental Health," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 31(s1), pages 21-28, August.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Athanassios Douzenis & Ioannis Michopoulos & Marina Economou & Emmanouil Rizos & Christos Christodoulou & Lefteris Lykouras, 2012. "Involuntary admission in Greece: A prospective national study of police involvement and client characteristics affecting emergency assessment," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(2), pages 172-177, March.
    2. M. Economou & E. Louki & L. E. Peppou & C. Gramandani & L. Yotis & C. N. Stefanis, 2012. "Fighting psychiatric stigma in the classroom: The impact of an educational intervention on secondary school students’ attitudes to schizophrenia," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(5), pages 544-551, September.
    3. Vasiliki Tzouvara & Chris Papadopoulos & Gurch Randhawa, 2016. "Systematic review of the prevalence of mental illness stigma within the Greek culture," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 62(3), pages 292-305, May.
    4. Noor Ahmed Giasuddin & Itzhak Levav & Gilad Gal, 2015. "Mental health stigma and attitudes to psychiatry among Bangladeshi medical students," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 61(2), pages 137-147, March.
    5. Marina Economou & Joanna Despina Bergiannaki & Lily Evangelia Peppou & Ismini Karayanni & George Skalkotos & Athanasios Patelakis & Kyriakos Souliotis & Costas Stefanis, 2016. "Attitudes towards depression, psychiatric medication and help-seeking intentions amid financial crisis: Findings from Athens area," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 62(3), pages 243-251, May.

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