Knowledge About Schizophrenia and Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia in Greece

Marina Economou, Clive Richardson, Christina Gramandani, Anastassios Stalikas and Costas Stefanis
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Marina Economou: University Mental Health Research Institute, Athens University Medical School, 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

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2009, vol. 55, issue 4, 361-371

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.

Keywords: schizophrenia; knowledge; beliefs; attitudes; social distance; stigma; Greece (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:55:y:2009:i:4:p:361-371

DOI: 10.1177/0020764008093957

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