Evaluating antistigma program against mental disorder

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This study attempted to identify forms of stigma against individuals with mental disorders and to evaluate the effectiveness of lectures in reducing such stigma. Subjects comprised 2,632 people living in the area covered by the K health center in N prefecture.Factor analysis of the Mental Disorder Prejudice Scale (1,211 valid responses) identified three factors : "Rejection" ; "Peculiarity" ; and "Human rights alienation". Regression analysis revealed that age, welfare activities, an active problem-solving attitude, lecture attendance, and previous contact exerted independent effects with respect to "Rejection". These results suggest the importance of disseminating accurate information and creating more opportunities for people to have meaningful interactions with people with mental disorders in dispelling stigma.Although administrative bodies such as community health centers have implemented various awareness campaigns to promote community understanding of mental health and to reduce … More the stigma associated with mental illness and disorder, there have been few reports that have quantitatively analyzed the effects of these campaigns in Japan. Therefore, this study was conducted for the purpose of developing the evaluative "Mental Illness and Disorder Understanding Seale(MIDUS)" for awareness campaigns and assessing its reliability and validity. A survey was conducted on 1004 community residents using a self-administered questionnaire. An assessment of the reliability and validity of the scale was then conducted. The Cronbach a coefficient of the MIDUS was 0.78, thus indicating adequate reliability. Factor analysis of the MIDUS revealed three factors : "Treatability of illness", "Efficacy of medication" and "Social recognition of illness".In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the MIDUS and existing scales, and fixed criterion-based validity was demonstrated. The MIDUS utilizes items worded in the form of affirmative expressions so as to avoid promoting new bias. It was confirmed to be both reliable and valid, thereby suggesting its usefulness as an evaluative scale of awareness campaigns.The World Psychiatric Association promotes global anti-stigma programs. However, evaluation research is crucial to developing effective programs. The present study examined the effects of a lecture on mental health on public attitudes towards mental illness. Subjects were recruited from individuals employed by private companies and the government. Attitudes towards mental illness were measured using the Mental Illness and Disorder Understanding Scale developed by the authors and the Scale of Negative Attitudes Towards the Independence of People with Mental Disorders. Test scores obtained before and after the lecture were compared. The results demonstrated that scores on both scales improved significantly. The present study suggests the effectiveness of this type of educational program in reducing stigma attached to mental illness and disorder. Less