Knowledge about schizophrenia and attitudes towards people with schizophrenia in Greece

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).

To investigate sources, degree of knowledge and attitudes towards PWS in Greece.

A cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted by face-to-face household interviews ( n = 1,199, aged 15 years and over).

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.

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.