Stigma

Reducing structural stigma requires more than educational campaigns; broader redistributive policy may also be needed. Twenty-two of the non-participating invitees cited embarrassment or concern that others would learn about their condition as reasons for declining participation. Sixteen studies (40%) found stigma remained a significant issue inside peer workplaces. Public and institutional reactions contributed to inward-facing stigma among survivors. Greater recognition of lived experience as a legitimate form of expertise can reduce stigma toward peers. Many survivors avoided social gatherings after recovery. More than half of survivors reported shame about contracting Ebola. Many survivors experienced reduced self-confidence after recovery. Peer workers experienced professional stigma and condescending attitudes from non-peer colleagues, linked in part to assumptions about lack of clinical training. Embarrassment and stigma were major barriers to both research participation and clinical care for South Asian patients with IBD. Some patients concealed the severity of their illness or treatment details from relatives, including not disclosing biologic use or diagnosis to immediat…