Attitudes of Japanese Pharmacy Students Toward Mental Illness

Background: Studies have revealed high levels of stigma toward mental illness in Japan, but no study has been conducted with pharmacy students. Aims: To perform an exploratory study regarding the attitudes of Japanese pharmacy students toward mental illness. Methods: All students (n=669) at one Japanese pharmacy school were invited to participate in a survey that consisted of the Whatley Social Distance Scale, the Index of Attitudes Toward the Mentally Ill, and demographic questions. Results: The response rate was 100%. All but two items on the scales received overall positive responses. Female students, final-year students, those who had experienced a mental illness, and those who knew a family member or friend who had experienced a mental illness held more favorable mental illness attitudes than students without those characteristics. Conclusion: The students held generally favorable mental illness attitudes that were comparable to those previously reported in American pharmacy students.