Scale development and an educational program to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia among community pharmacists: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Stigma associated with mental disorders is rooted among many pharmacists, and represents a major barrier to patient support in community-based psychiatry. We developed an assessment scale that specifically designed assess the level of stigma pharmacists may have toward schizophrenia, then examined effects reducing educational program focuses on communication patients diagnosed schizophrenia (PDS) using newly Scale towards Schizophrenia for Community Pharmacists (SSCP). Methods SSCP was by exploratory factor analysis promax rotation based responses from 822 randomly selected community pharmacists. Furthermore, randomized controlled trial conducted 115 clarify them focus PDS. Participants were individually allocated two groups: lecture group (56; only attending schizophrenia) or contact-based intervention (59; communicating PDS lecture). The immediately before after intervention. Results A total 4 factors 27 items extracted comprise SSCP. Cronbach’s α SSCP, social distance at professional pharmacy service (factor I), attitudes II), self-disclosure III), personal IV) 0.89, 0.88, 0.76, 0.62, respectively. Educational program-related changes median (interquartile range) score baseline − 9.0 (− 16.0 – 5.0) 3.0 7.0–1.0) group, reflecting significant reduction levels group. On examining subscales, scores I II significantly improved. more effective aged 20–39 years negligible experience work and/or private life. Conclusions useful assessing reducing, respectively, attached these schizophrenia. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ( UMIN000043189 , registered January 30, 2021), Retrospectively registered.