Public stigma: the community's tolerance of Alzheimer disease.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate public stigma relating to Alzheimer disease (AD) and variables correlated with this outcome.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
City of São Paulo, Brazil.


METHODS
A representative sample of 500 individuals aged 18-65 years, living within the community.


METHODS
Subjects were interviewed to assess three dimensions of stigma (stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination). Stigma was considered present in this study when all three domains were simultaneously fulfilled.


RESULTS
The 41.6% of the participants expressed stereotypes; 43.4% prejudice; and 35.5% discrimination. Among the whole sample, 14.8% endorsed the stigma definition criterion adopted for this study. Those with fewer years of education were 2.32 times as likely to stigmatize persons carrying AD. Stigma was unaffected by other sociodemographic variables, experience of mental illness, emotional reactions, or general information about AD.


CONCLUSIONS
Dimensions of stigma were highly prevalent in relation to AD. Interventions are needed to reduce the negative effects of stigma.
Blay
Sergio Luís
SL
Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo-UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil. blay@uol.com.br
Toledo Pisa Peluso
Erica
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011287:Prejudice; D013240:Stereotyping