Diabetes-related stigma affects the quality of life of people living with diabetes mellitus in Switzerland: implications for health care providers
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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
2016
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Type
01A - Journal article
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Parent work
Health and Social Care in the Community
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Issue / Number
Pages / Duration
1-14
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Publisher / Publishing institution
Wiley
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Abstract
There is a growing body of scientific evidence that stigma represents a reality for many people living with diabetes (PWD). However, little is known about the impact of experienced stigma. Against this background, the present study aimed to establish, by means of an in-depth consideration of the situation in Switzerland, whether and how experienced and perceived stigma impact the quality of life of those PWD affected. In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) was used for data collection. The SAQ drew on a qualitative elicitation study and was distributed in 2013 to the readers of a Swiss journal destined to people living with diabetes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The sample included 3347 people (response rate of 16%) with type 1 and 2 diabetes, aged 16–96. Respondents who reported higher levels of perceived stigma reported higher levels of psychological distress (b = 0.37), more pronounced depressive symptoms (b = 0.33) and less social support (b = 0.22). Higher psychological distress (b = 0.29) and more pronounced depressive symptoms (b = 0.28), in turn, predicted lower quality of life. Findings suggest that stigma should be considered as an additional predictor of quality of life in PWD. Therefore, healthcare providers should support PWD’s fight against stigma. Especially, social workers are called to engage in advocacy to reduce discrimination against PWD and claim equal chances for them. They are also called to develop and implement interventions to correct stereotypes about PWD.
Keywords
diabetes, discrimination, quality of life, stereotypes, stigma
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ISBN
ISSN
0966-0410
1365-2524
1365-2524
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
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License
Citation
GREDIG, Daniel und Annabelle BARTELSEN, 2016. Diabetes-related stigma affects the quality of life of people living with diabetes mellitus in Switzerland: implications for health care providers. Health and Social Care in the Community. 2016. S. 1–14. DOI 10.26041/fhnw-987. Verfügbar unter: https://doi.org/10.26041/fhnw-987