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B reastfeeding is the optimal feeding mode for the mother and her child. The pregnancy rates of mothers with schizophrenia do not differ significantly from those of the general population. However, research on breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia is extremely limited. The current study aims to explore the health professionals' attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia in Greece and to examine the validity and reliability of the Greek version of a specific rating scale for further research on attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. This study had a cross-sectional descriptive design and the participants were health professionals working closely with women/mothers at different health care settings in Athens (health visitors, midwives, nurses working in mental health care). Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes regarding breastfeeding, knowledge, feelings and attitudes regarding schizophrenia, professional guidance for women with schizophrenia about breastfeeding; and personal and professional attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. The results of the study showed that health care professionals of different disciplines seemed to have similar positive attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia. Professionals that had attended breastfeeding seminars had significantly greater scores on both knowledge of breastfeeding and attitudes towards breastfeeding. Greater scores on attitudes towards women with schizophrenia and attitudes towards breastfeeding among women with schizophrenia were found in those that had previous contact with a person with schizophrenia. Furthermore, greater scores on attitudes towards women with schizophrenia

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Aims:Since evaluation regarding the impact of mental illness related internalized stigma is scarce, there is a great need for psychometric instruments which could contribute to understanding its adverse effects among Greek patients with severe mental illness. The Brief Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale is one of the most widely used measures designed to assess the subjective experience of stigma related to mental illness. The present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Brief ISMI scale. In addition to presenting psychometric findings, we explored the relationship of the Greek version of the Brief ISMI subscales with indicators of self-esteem and quality of life.Methods:272 outpatients (108 males, 164 females) meeting the DSM-IV TR criteria for severe mental disorder (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression) completed the Brief ISMI, the RSES and the WHOQOL-BREF scales. Patients reported age and educational level. A retest was conducted with 124 patients.Results:The Chronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0 0.83. The test-retest reliability coefficients varied from 0.81 to 0.91, indicating substantial agreement. The ICC was for the total score 0.83 and for the two factors, 0.69 and 0.77 respectively. Factor analysis provided strong evidence for a two factor model. Factors 1 and 2 were named respectively “how others view me” and “how I view myself”. They were negatively correlated with both RSES and WHOQOL-BREF scales, as well as with educational level. Factor 2 was significantly associated with the type of diagnosis.Conclusions:The Greek version of the Brief ISMI scale can be used as a reliable and valid tool for assessing mental illness related internalized stigma among Greek patients with severe mental illness.