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Health-related stigma

Rethinking concepts and interventions 1

Bibliographic Data

ID23347309
AuthorsMitchell G Wei (0000-0002-1580-1332, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, corresponding author), Mitchell G Weiss, Jayashree Ramakrishna (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), Daryl Somma
Year2006
Volume11
Issue3
Pages277-287
Publication date2006-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychology, Health & Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1354-8506 • E-ISSN: 1465-3966
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13548500600595053
PMID17130065
OpenAlexW2138798441
LanguageEN
Citations received166
References cited31

As a feature of many chronic health problems, stigma contributes to a hidden burden of illness. Health-related stigma is typically characterized by social disqualification of individuals and populations who are identified with particular health problems. Another aspect is characterized by social disqualification targeting other features of a person's identity-such as ethnicity, sexual preferences or socio-economic status-which through limited access to services and other social disadvantages result in adverse effects on health. Health professionals therefore have substantial interests in recognizing and mitigating the impact of stigma as both a feature and a cause of many health problems. Rendering historical concepts of stigma as a discrediting physical attribute obsolete, two generations of Goffman-inspired sociological studies have redefined stigma as a socially discrediting situation of individuals. Based on that formulation and to specify health research interests, a working definition of health-related stigma is proposed. It emphasizes the particular features of target health problems and the role of particular social, cultural and economic settings in developing countries. As a practical matter, it relates to various strategies for intervention, which may focus on controlling or treating target health problems with informed health and social policies, countering the disposition of perpetrators to stigmatize, and supporting those who are stigmatized to limit their vulnerability and strengthen their resilience. Our suggestions for health studies of stigma highlight needs for disease- and culture-specific research that serves the interests of international health.

Criminology · Health equity · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public health · Sociology · Stigma (botany) · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works166
Citations per year8,3
Citation span2006 - 2026 (21)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 155
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