Diseases Associated with Stigma: A Review

Abstract

Background: When a disease is associated with stigma, there may be attendant negative consequences. Purpose: This review was to show how stigma-associated diseases impact negatively on the psychological and social wellbeing of the affected persons. Methods: The relevant articles for the review were obtained through PubMed and Google Scholar search on the internet using relevant keywords. Results: Several infectious and non-infectious diseases are associated with stigma. The causes of stigma in these diseases include fear of contracting the disease and dying from it, disfiguring caused by the disease and ignorance and misconception concerning the cause, nature and infectivity of the disease. Those suffering from stigma-associated diseases are usually discriminated against and denied the privileges and opportunities available for those not suffering from stigma-associated diseases. This often leads to psychosocial or psychiatric complications such as social isolation, depression or even suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Stigma-associated diseases still remain a very important health problem with attendant psychosocial consequences. Multi-disciplinary and multi-level efforts are required for its effective mitigation.