Stigma of mental illness among health professions and non-health professions students in China

Abstract

It is still unclear about the differences of stigma of mental illness and its influencing factors between health profession (HP) and non-health profession (NHP) students in China. This study aimed to explore the differences of stigma of mental illness and its influencing factors between HP and NHP students in China. A cross-sectional survey among university students (N = 304, mean age = 21.88 years, SD = 2.77) was conducted from May 2021 to July 2021. Although HP students did not exhibit significantly lower levels of stigma than NHP students, they showed higher levels of responsibility, segregation, anger and help. Contact quality and knowledge were significantly associated with lower levels of stigma of mental illness. This is the first study to explore the differences of stigma of mental illness between HP students and NHP students in China. Stigma of mental illness is different between HP and NHP students. The enhancement of contact and improvement of knowledge may contribute to stigma reduction.