Care Plan for Reducing Stigma in Cancer Disease

Abstract

Purpose: Disease-related Stigma is negative emotions, attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs about diseases. Cancer is one of the diseases that can be exposed to stigma. Regarding the effects of stigma on the quality of life; admission and adherence to treatment, and considering stigma as a barrier to health promotion and cancer screening, the aim of this study was to provide a care plan for reducing stigma in cancer. Methods: This research was carried out during three phases of qualitative, quantitative studies and a review of the literature. The qualitative phase was conducted by conventional content analysis to find effective factors on the reduction of stigma through face to face semi-structured interviews. The quantitative phase was a cross-sectional descriptive study to measure the level of stigma. By using both quantitative and qualitative findings, and a review of the literature, a comprehensive care plan to reduce stigma in families with cancer patients was developed. Results: The results showed two categories of data; 1) reducing stigma at the individual or family level which needs increasing awareness, teaching coping skills, and support, as well as counseling; and 2) stigma reduction at the community level and policy rules which involve public education and cultural changes. Conclusion: Implementation of a care plan for reducing stigma can increase the physical and psychological health outcomes of people influenced by cancer, and at the community level, improves the attitude toward cancer and the success of screening programs, and ultimately reduces disability and mortality of the disease.

Experiences of caregivers of children with cancer in Malawi: A qualitative study

“…Furthermore, social isolation, regardless of the reason, can cause stress, anxiety and depression, and people need the support and stimulation that socialising provides 34,35 . Community education and awareness about cancer may help reduce cancer stigma and combat social isolation 36 . When people are educated about cancer, they may change their attitude towards cancer patients and their caregivers 33 .…”

“… 34 , 35 Community education and awareness about cancer may help reduce cancer stigma and combat social isolation. 36 When people are educated about cancer, they may change their attitude towards cancer patients and their caregivers. 33 However, this is a new finding among the caregivers of children with cancer, which has never been reported elsewhere and thus requires further research.…”

Developing a Scale of Public Stigma towards Infected People with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

“…The rapid spread of the Corona pandemic has led many countries of the world, including Saudi Arabia, to take preventive procedures to avoid the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease, which has led to anxiety and fear of infection and stigma in local communities. In this regard, (Chopra & Arora 2020;Hasan et al, 2020) pointed out serious consequences were carried by the stigma, including fear, anger, and intolerance towards other people. Stigmatized persons are usually reluctant to go for treatment or procrastinate, ultimately leading to higher morbidity and mortality.…”

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