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Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences 3/2014

01-03-2014 | Original Article

Consequences of Perceived Stigma Among Patients with Cirrhosis

Authors: Valerie Vaughn-Sandler, Carey Sherman, Andrew Aronsohn, Michael L. Volk

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

Background

Among patients with diseases such as HIV, cancer and mental illness, perceived stigma is common and is linked to quality of life (QOL), depression and healthcare-seeking behavior.

Aims

We aimed to determine the prevalence and consequences of stigma in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A survey was developed and mailed to 300 patients with cirrhosis from a variety of etiologies. Among the 149 respondents, stigma was measured using a composite of previously validated scales. Correlates of stigma were measured using an a priori theoretical construct in order to investigate hypothesized consequences such as impaired social support, depression and reduction in healthcare-seeking behavior.

Results

Eighty-nine percent of respondents chose “agree” or “strongly agree” for at least one of the 18 stigma-related questions, indicating they felt stigmatized in at least one aspect of their lives. Patient factors associated with more perceived stigma on multivariable linear regression included younger age (p = 0.008), and hepatitis C (p = 0.001) or alcohol (p = 0.01) as the etiology of liver disease. Patients with higher levels of perceived stigma had less social support (r 2 = 0.898, p < 0.001), were less likely to seek medical care (r 2 = 0.108, p < 0.001), suffered from more depression (r 2 = 0.17 p < 0.001) and had worse QOL (r 2 = 0.175, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Perceived stigma is common among patients with cirrhosis, and is associated with adverse attitudes and behaviors such as decreased healthcare-seeking behavior. Healthcare providers need to be aware of these perceptions and their potential impact on patients’ interaction with the medical system.
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Metadata
Title
Consequences of Perceived Stigma Among Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors
Valerie Vaughn-Sandler
Carey Sherman
Andrew Aronsohn
Michael L. Volk
Publication date
01-03-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-013-2942-0

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