Investigation of Stigma Phenomenon in Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Background: Adjustment to cancer as a stressful event is affected by bio-psycho-social factors. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate stigma phenomenon, the process of formation, and its impact on cancer patients and their families. Methods: This research was conducted based on the grounded theory study. Semi-structured interview was used with 12 cancer patients (7 women and 5 men), one of the immediate family members (spouse, parent or sibling) and 8 oncology staff members. Participants were selected in a purposeful non-probability sampling method and data analysis was performed in three steps: open coding, axial coding and selective coding. Results: Four conceptual categories with sub-categories were emerged through three-step analysis of the grounded theory study: social stigma, self-stigma, coping strategies and acceptance as a main concept. Results showed gradual process of stigma formation to cancer and its different dimensions. Conclusions: Comprehensive assessment of stigma through various information sources may provide a deep understanding of this phenomenon in social context. The results of this study may lead to development of effective therapeutic protocols for promotion of community awareness, and improvement of mental health levels in patients and their families by eliminating all dimensions of this phenomenon in the context of society.

Factors associated with caregiver burden for mothers of children undergoing Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) treatment

“…More specifically, the “amount” of SS can be reduced in cultures where such beliefs prevail. Indeed, in Iranian culture, an individual may be less likely to seek out SS (Mohabbat-bahar et al, 2017). Patients and their family are less likely to engage in help-seeking, as it is deemed that the cancer is a result of the individual's or his or her family's past actions, and they are, therefore, less deserving of being given support (Ehsani et al, 2016; Mohabbat-bahar et al, 2017).…”

“…In some societies, illness and especially cancer are interpreted as the result of a person's or a family's actions, and it can, therefore, affect the amount of SS that it is believed that the individual "deserves" (Hasan Shiri et al, 2018). More specifically, within Iran, cancer is associated with fears of contagion and may often be attributed to family genetic defects, misfortune, fate, wrongdoing, and even being cursed (Mohabbat-bahar et al, 2017). Thus, Iranian patients and their families tend to hide their diagnosis from others.…”

“…Thus, although the mother may require SS as an assistive resource, cultural beliefs within these countries attract more stigma to the family experiencing such a crisis and mothers may, therefore, feel reluctant in calling upon potential SS networks. Within these cultures, there is great reluctance to seek SS outside of the context of the immediate family (Mohabbat-bahar et al, 2017). When a family member is sick, while relatives may come to the aid of the family, the mother is still precluded from seeking SS outside of the family from, for example, friends and colleagues.…”

Cancer-Related Stigma and Depression in Cancer Patients in A Middle-Income Country

“…Qualitative studies have yielded similar results to quantitative studies. [152930] However, the studies referred to above mainly reflect results obtained from socioculturally and economically developed countries. [45121823] Cross-cultural myths can also affect negative attitudes toward cancer.…”

Care Plan for Reducing Stigma in Cancer Disease

“…The image of death, bad fate, disaster and misery are some parts of attitude toward cancer [9]. In addition to the human health threat, cancer may be a deviation from the norm and an undesirable quality and the affected person can be exposed to negative emotions of others [5] [10].…”