OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the level of stigmatisation among urban and rural Malaysian communities towards mental illness patients, and assessed study variables that differentiate and predict their stigmatisation.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the reliable and validated self-administered questionnaires proven by Rasch analysis consisted of socio-demographic and other (n = 11 items) and attribution questionnaire (AQ-9) (n = 9 items; 9 stereotypes), were disseminated post ethics approval to urban (Shah Alam, Selangor) and rural (Rembau, Negeri Sembilan) adults (≥ 18 years old) using convenience sampling method. Data (February to May 2015) were analysed using SPSS version 21.0.

RESULTS: The mean (SD) scores obtained by urban and rural respondents were 39.40 (9.77) and 42.15 (9.16); both fall into moderate level of stigma (moderate score: 28 - 54). Urban respondents demonstrated significant higher pity level, lower dangerousness, lower blame, lower anger, and lower coercion compared to rural respondents. The mean scores obtained by females were significantly higher than males in referring to dangerousness, fear, segregation and coercion stereotypes. Respondents who were familiar with mental illness tend to have significantly higher pity but lower blame compared to respondents who were not familiar with mental illness. There was a significant decrease in blame among respondents who were familiar towards schizophrenia term compared to respondents who were not familiar. Significant predictors were found in few stereotypes including familiarity with mental illness (pity), gender and highest level of education (dangerousness), gender (fear), familiarity with schizophrenia (blame) and gender and living area (coercion).

CONCLUSIONS: Rural respondents had significant lower pity level, higher dangerousness, higher blame, higher anger, and higher coercion compared to urban respondents. Gender was the main predictor for stereotypes of dangerousness, fear and coercion. The elements of stigmatisation toward mental illness need to be addressed be it to the public or respective sufferers in creating concerned and responsible communities.