Have public attitudes towards people with mental health conditions shifted in Singapore? Results from the mental health literacy study

Public attitudes towards people with mental illnesses (PMI) shape their inclusion in society. In recent years, Singapore has introduced several nationwide mental health initiatives, including destigmatisation efforts. The present study explored the differences in attitudes among the Singapore public in 2023 compared to 2015, and the sociodemographic correlates of attitudes in 2023. Nationwide studies were conducted with residents in 2014–2015 (N = 3006) and 2022–2023 (N = 4195). Attitudes towards PMI included four factors: (1) social distancing, (2) tolerance/support for community care, (3) social restrictiveness, and (4) prejudice and misconception. Lower scores indicate better attitudes except for tolerance/support, where higher scores indicate better attitudes. Linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the differences in attitudes between 2015 and 2023, and multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine the sociodemographic correlates for each factor score. Respondents scored significantly better in 2023 as compared to 2015 for all factors (p < 0.001): social distancing (7.19 vs. 8.07), tolerance/support (15.23 vs. 14.81), social restrictiveness (6.22 vs. 7.21), and prejudice and misconception (14.06 vs. 15.36). Age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, educational levels and income levels were associated with attitudes in various domains. Improved public attitudes indicate a less stigmatising society. However, certain demographics continue to display poorer attitudes, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Future efforts should integrate mental health promotion with primary care settings, engage community leaders, and provide opportunities for contact with PMI. Further research could also examine how factors such as prior contact with PMI shape these attitudes.