Sociodemographic correlates of public stigma about mental illness: a population study on Hong Kong’s Chinese population

Abstract Background Individuals with psychiatric disorders are often unwilling to seek help or follow treatment regimens, fearing public stigma. This study identified the sociodemographic correlates of stigma while accounting for mental health literacy and life satisfaction. Methods analysed data 1514 individuals who participated in a population-based random telephone survey conducted 2018. Sociodemographic characteristics included gender, age, education level, occupation. Data on stigma, literacy, satisfaction were also collected. Multiple linear regression was examine effects A moderation analysis performed investigate role age relationship between Results characteristics, such as female older lower education, occupation (particularly retired homemakers), associated higher The association most significant among aged 50 years above levels. Conclusions showed that certain population subgroups, based their profile, have about illnesses. Understanding differential factors is imperative developing effective anti-stigma campaigns.