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. 2016 Aug;134 Suppl 446(Suppl Suppl 446):23-33.
doi: 10.1111/acps.12607.

Public knowledge, attitudes, social distance and reported contact regarding people with mental illness 2009-2015

C Henderson  1 , E Robinson  2 , S Evans-Lacko  1 , E Corker  1 , I Rebollo-Mesa  2 , D Rose  1 , G Thornicroft  1
Affiliations

Public knowledge, attitudes, social distance and reported contact regarding people with mental illness 2009-2015

C Henderson et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2016 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether public knowledge, attitudes, desire for social distance and reported contact in relation to people with mental health problems have improved in England during the Time to Change (TTC) programme to reduce stigma and discrimination 2009-2015.

Methods: Using data from an annual face-to-face survey of a nationally representative sample of adults, we analysed longitudinal trends in the outcomes with regression modelling using standardised scores of the measures overall and by age and gender subgroups.

Results: There were improvements in all outcomes. The improvement for knowledge was 0.17 standard deviation units in 2015 compared to 2009 (95% CI 0.10, 0.23); for attitudes 0.20 standard deviation units (95% CI 0.14, 0.27) and for social distance 0.17 standard deviation units (95% CI 0.11, 0.24). Survey year for 2015 vs. 2009 was associated with a higher likelihood of reported contact (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13, 1.53). Statistically significant interactions between year and age suggest the campaign had more impact on the attitudes of the target age group (25-45) than those aged over 65 or under 25. Women's reported contact with people with mental health problems increased more than did men's.

Conclusion: The results provide support for the effectiveness of TTC.

Keywords: attitude; discrimination; public opinion; social distance; social stigma.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mental health related knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviour by year (weighted estimates with 95% CIs). Significant at P = 0.05 level. Note: Survey weighted estimates to reflect population characteristics by gender, age and ethnicity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill factors by year weighted* estimates with 95% CIs). *Survey weighted estimates to reflect population characteristic by gender, age and ethnicity.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Mental health related attitudes (Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill) marginal effects of year*age interactions with 95% CIs. (b) Mental health related behaviour (Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale) marginal effects of year*age interactions with 95% CIs.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Mental health reported behaviour (Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale) odds ratios with 95% CIs by year. Significant at P = 0.05 level. Note: Survey weighted to reflect population characteristics by gender, age and ethnicity.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Mental health related behaviour (Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale) marginal effects of year*sex interactions with 95% CIs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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