Hepatitis C: studying stigma

Gastroenterol Nurs. 2008 Sep-Oct;31(5):346-52. doi: 10.1097/01.SGA.0000338279.40412.96.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine hepatitis C-related stigma within a population of liver disease support group attendees. In total, 39 participants completed a quantitative/qualitative survey during support group meetings. This article reports on the quantitative data. Data collected included the source and location of stigma and stigma's effects on health-seeking behavior and disclosure practices (DISCs). Of the participants, 84.6% experienced hepatitis C-related stigma. All who were Hispanic or older than 65 years experienced stigma. The most common source of stigma was healthcare professionals. More participants reported a decrease in DISCs than in health-seeking behavior. A small portion of participants reported increases in both. Those persons who were stigmatized by healthcare professionals were significantly more likely to subsequently decrease their health-seeking behavior. Of those who reported decreases in DISCs after being stigmatized, more than half (54.5%) were stigmatized by healthcare professionals. The most common location for stigmatization was in the home setting. The findings hold important implications for learning needs of healthcare professionals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Attitude to Health* / ethnology
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C / ethnology
  • Hepatitis C / psychology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Prejudice
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Disclosure
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Southwestern United States
  • Stereotyping*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • White People / ethnology