The attitudes of healthcare staff towards individuals with schizophrenia with physical comorbidity: an observational study

Stigma associated with mental illness has been identified as a primary cause of discrimination, disparities and social isolation. Patients with severe mental illness have a significantly higher risk of physical comorbidity and mortality, almost 2-3 times higher than the general population, as well as longer hospital stay. For example, cancer mortality in patients with schizophrenia is approximately 40% higher compared to the general population, and among mental disorders, schizophrenia is the most exposed to these phenomena. This observational study aims to identify the presence of behavioral stereotypes and stigmatizing dimensions among nursing and medical staff in non-psychiatric wards towards patients with schizophrenia. The "Attribution Questionnaire-27" (AQ-27) was administered to 112 physical healthcare professionals from medical and surgical wards, palliative care, rehabilitation, and nursing homes. The study revealed the presence of stigmatizing attitudes towards patients with schizophrenia among nursing staff and in particularly nursing assistants, with higher levers of attitudes as coercion, dangerousness, and avoidance, than nurses. But attitudes of pity and help, particularly in acute care wards were also found. Strategies for enhancing training on psychiatric topics and fostering collaborations with psychiatric services are indeed valuable.