Experiences of discrimination among people using mental health services in England 2008-2011

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that levels of discrimination against people using mental health services are high; however, reports of these people's experiences are rare.

Aims: To determine whether the Time to Change (TTC) programme target of 5% reduction in discrimination has been achieved.

Method: Separate samples of people using mental health services were interviewed annually from 2008 to 2011 using the Discrimination and Stigma Scale to record instances of discrimination.

Results: Ninety-one per cent of participants reported one or more experiences of discrimination in 2008 compared with 88% in 2011 (z = -1.9, P = 0.05). The median negative discrimination score was 40% in 2008 and 28% in 2011 (Kruskal-Wallis χ(2) = 83.4, P<0.001).

Conclusions: The proportion of participants experiencing no discrimination increased significantly over the course of TTC but by less than the initial target. The overall median discrimination score fell by 11.5%. Data from 2010 and 2011 suggest that these gains may be hard to maintain during economic austerity.