Seroalo, Kenetsoe B.Du Plessis, EmmerentiaKoen, Magdalena P.Koen, Vicki2017-04-192017-04-192014Seroalo, K.B. et al. 2014. A critical synthesis of interventions to reduce stigma attached to mental illness. Health SA Gesondheid, 19(1). [http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v19i1.800]1025-9848http://hdl.handle.net/10394/21472http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v19i1.800Background: Interventions have been developed and implemented to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. However, mental healthcare users are still stigmatised. Objective: The objective of this study was to critically synthesise the best available evidence regarding interventions to reduce stigma attached to mental illness. Method: An exploratory and descriptive research design was followed to identify primary studies; systematic review identified primary studies answering this research question: What best evidence is available regarding interventions to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness? A search was done on selected electronic databases. Seventeen studies (n = 17) were identified as providing evidence that answered the research question. The following instruments were used: Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, John Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice research evidence appraisal tool and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Manual. The study was submitted to the Post-graduate Education and Research Committee of the School of Nursing Science at Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University for approval. Results: Results indicated some interventions that reduce the stigma attached to mental illness, such as web-based approaches, printed educational materials, documentary and antistigma films, as well as live and video performances. Conclusions: Humanising interventions seems to have a positive effect on reducing stigma attached to mental illness. From the results and conclusions recommendations were formulated for nursing practice, nursing education and research.enInterventionStigmaMental illnessCritical Appraisal Skills ProgrammeJohn Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice research evidence appraisal toolAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis ManualArticle