Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the relationships between stigma, social support, and distress in caregivers of children with imperforate anus (IA) and determine whether social support mediates the relationship between stigma and distress.
Design and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary children's hospitals in Eastern China. Primary caregivers completed the Social Support Scale and the Chinese versions of the Parent Stigma Scale and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and provided their demographic information. The children's demographic and clinical data were also collected. The hypothesized relations were explored using structural equation modeling via the bootstrap method.
Results: A total of 229 caregivers were enrolled. Distress was positively associated with stigma (r = 0.396, P < 0.01) and negatively associated with social support (r = -0.413, P < 0.01) in all dimensions (r = 0.314-0.346, P < 0.01). Stigma was also negatively correlated with social support (r = 0.280, P < 0.01). Furthermore, social support could partially mediate the relationship between stigma and distress (b = 0.135; 95% confidence interval: 0.072, 0.233).
Conclusions: Stigma can increase caregivers' distress, while social support can reduce it. Stigma can also negatively influence caregivers' social support. Therefore, stigma should be mitigated to enhance caregivers' social support and decrease their distress.
Practice implications: The study findings may aid in the identification of the psychological status of caregivers of children with IA, and also inform targeted intervention programs.
Keywords: Anus; Caregivers; Distress; Imperforate; Social stigma; Social support.
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