Internalized Stigma in Patients With Schizophrenia in Rural China: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Stigma Studies

Background:

• Internalized stigma negatively impacts self-esteem and social participation in schizophrenia patients.
• Understanding stigma's prevalence and predictors is crucial for effective interventions in rural China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of high internalized stigma among schizophrenia patients in rural China.
• To identify factors associated with high internalized stigma in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 335 inpatients with schizophrenia in rural China.
• Utilized the Chinese-revised Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale.
• Assessed psychiatric symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Main Results:

• 37.0% of participants reported high internalized stigma.
• Female gender and more severe cognitive symptoms were significant predictors of high internalized stigma.
• Higher stigma correlated with increased severity of positive, negative, cognitive, and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

• High internalized stigma is prevalent in rural Chinese schizophrenia patients.
• Female patients and those with cognitive impairment are at elevated risk.
• Interventions should target these specific groups to mitigate stigma.