'I call it the blame and shame disease' : A qualitative study about perceptions of social stigma surrounding type 2 diabetes
Journal article
Browne, Jessica L., Ventura, Adriana, Mosely, Kylie and Speight, Jane. (2013). 'I call it the blame and shame disease' : A qualitative study about perceptions of social stigma surrounding type 2 diabetes. BMJ Open. 3(11), p. Article e003384. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003384
Authors | Browne, Jessica L., Ventura, Adriana, Mosely, Kylie and Speight, Jane |
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Abstract | Objectives While health-related stigma has been the subject of considerable research in other conditions (obesity and HIV/AIDS), it has not received substantial attention in diabetes. The aim of the current study was to explore the social experiences of Australian adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a particular focus on the perception and experience of diabetes-related stigma. Design A qualitative study using semistructured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed and subject to thematic analysis. Setting This study was conducted in non-clinical settings in metropolitan and regional areas in the Australian state of Victoria. Participants were recruited primarily through the state consumer organisation representing people with diabetes. Participants All adults aged ≥18 years with T2DM living in Victoria were eligible to take part. Twenty-five adults with T2DM participated (12 women; median age 61 years; median diabetes duration 5 years). Results A total of 21 (84%) participants indicated that they believed T2DM was stigmatised, or reported evidence of stigmatisation. Specific themes about the experience of stigma were feeling blamed by others for causing their own condition, being subject to negative stereotyping, being discriminated against or having restricted opportunities in life. Other themes focused on sources of stigma, which included the media, healthcare professionals, friends, family and colleagues. Themes relating to the consequences of this stigma were also evident, including participants’ unwillingness to disclose their condition to others and psychological distress. Participants believed that people with type 1 diabetes do not experience similar stigmatisation. Conclusions Our study found evidence of people with T2DM experiencing and perceiving diabetes-related social stigma. Further research is needed to explore ways to measure and minimise diabetes-related stigma at the individual and societal levels, and also to explore perceptions and experiences of stigma in people with type 1 diabetes. |
Year | 2013 |
Journal | BMJ Open |
Journal citation | 3 (11), p. Article e003384 |
Publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
ISSN | 2044-6055 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003384 |
PubMed ID | 24247325 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-84888121455 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3840338 |
Open access | Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access |
Page range | 1-10 |
Funder | Diabetes Australia |
Deakin University | |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 18 Nov 2013 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 18 Oct 2013 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/854zq/-i-call-it-the-blame-and-shame-disease-a-qualitative-study-about-perceptions-of-social-stigma-surrounding-type-2-diabetes
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Publisher's version
OA_Browne_2013_I_call_it_the_blame_and.pdf | |
License: CC BY-NC 3.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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