Effectiveness of a structured short intervention against stigmatisation in chronic visible skin diseases: Results of a controlled trial in future educators

Abstract

Background Chronic visible skin diseases are highly prevalent, and patients affected frequently report feeling stigmatised. Interventions to reduce stigmatisation are rare. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured short intervention in reducing stigmatising attitudes towards psoriasis in future educators. Methods The intervention consisted of four components: (1) self‐reflection, (2) education on skin diseases, (3) contact between participants and a person with psoriasis and (4) practising of knowledge via case studies. A quasi‐experimental, pre–post study design was chosen with a nonrandomized contemporaneous control group that attended regular lessons. The main outcomes were participants' desire for social distance, stereotype endorsement, illness‐related misconceptions and intended behaviour. Intervention effects were analysed using mixed repeated‐measures analysis of variance, with Bonferroni post‐hoc tests for pairwise comparisons. Results The sample consisted of 221 students attending vocational training as educators (n = 118 intervention group, n = 103 control group). While no effect of the intervention was found in social distance, small to large effect sizes were observed for intended behaviour (r = .14), illness‐related misconceptions (r = .28) and stereotype endorsement (r = .42). The intervention group reported significantly higher satisfaction with the seminar compared to the control group. Conclusions Overall, the short intervention was effective at reducing stigmatising attitudes in future educators. In perspective, revised versions could help in reducing stigmatisation in various demographics and promote patient empowerment by acknowledging and including them as experts on their own behalf. Patient or Public Contribution Patient advocate groups were consulted and involved in the superordinate destigmatization research programme and intervention.

The Potential of Instagram to Reduce Stigmatization of People with Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

“…The findings of the current study are mostly in line with 2 studies that aimed to reduce external stigmatization of visible chronic skin diseases, but through in-person approaches ( 9 , 10 ). Furthermore, at least 1 of the 2 studies reported an inter-group difference for each subcategory for a certain study time-point.…”

“…Furthermore, at least 1 of the 2 studies reported an inter-group difference for each subcategory for a certain study time-point. An agreement was given regarding less Stereotype Endorsement in the IG post-intervention and at the follow-up compared with the CG ( 9 , 10 ). Furthermore, both studies found evidence for a reduction in the desire for Social Distance and less stigmatized Reported and Intended Behaviour between the measurement time-points in the IG.…”

“…Another reason may be the more extensive design of their interventions, e.g. by initiating direct contact between participants and persons affected by psoriasis ( 9 , 10 ). Interpersonal contact is considered effective in targeting stigma-related system 2 ( 15 ) and shown to be even more successful in reducing negative attitudes and stigmatization than focusing exclusively on knowledge and the sole application of an educational approach ( 30 ).…”

“…One approach was to educate the general public in-person about psoriasis; for example, in the form of seminars or by establishing contact between unaffected and affected individuals. Studies demonstrate that these measures can successfully reduce the external stigmatization of psoriasis ( 9 , 10 ).…”

“…Reflective stigmatization can be altered by prompting conscious engagement with facts ( 14 , 15 ). This is supported by disease-specific education programmes ( 9 , 10 ).…”