Background: Stigmatizing attitudes affect various dimensions of life of mentally ill people and their family members. This study was carried out to investigate the public's knowledge about mental illnesses and their attitudes toward mentally ill people in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: Using random sampling, a population-based doorstep survey was conducted in Tehran, and 1210 participants aged 18-65 years old living in 22 different districts of Tehran completed a questionnaire including relevant questions based on medical literature and views of a panel of health professionals.
Findings: Most respondents (57%) possessed quite fair knowledge. There was a strongly stigmatizing attitude in most respondents (66%), expressing negative stereotypes and desire for social distance. Perceived stigmatizing attitudes in the society was associated with failure to seek help.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that it is essential to plan programs to promote the level of knowledge of the general public and to improve their attitude towards people with mental illnesses.