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Correlates of internalized stigma levels in people with psychosis in the Czech Republic

Publication at Faculty of Social Sciences |
2019

Abstract

Background: Internalized stigma negatively affects lives and prognosis of individuals with psychosis. Aim: This study aimed to identify correlates of internalized stigma among individuals with psychosis in a sample of community care users in the Czech Republic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 community service users with psychosis. A shortened version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI-10) scale was used alongside the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), assessing health-related quality of life.

Descriptive and linear regression analyses were performed in order to determine levels of internalized stigma and its correlates. Results: High levels of internalized stigma were reported in 25% of participants.

Lower internalized stigma levels were associated with better self-reported health status and being married, and higher internalized stigma with a longer period of time since initial contact with psychiatric care. Conclusion: Lower internalized stigma levels are associated with better self-reported health-related quality of life.

In addition, clients having used psychiatric care for longer periods of time reported significantly higher internalized stigma levels. Therefore, authors suggest self-stigma reduction interventions based in a community setting with an emphasis on targeting clients with chronic psychosis.