Stigma In Women Research Articles

A scoping review of interventions targeting HIV stigma in women living with HIV

ABSTRACT Since its initial detection in the 1980s, AIDS has become a significant global health threat, disproportionately affecting women. Stigma constitutes the substantial barrier to accessing healthcare for women living with HIV (WLWH). This scoping review based on the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework aimed to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical caregivers to develop intervention strategies and assess their effectiveness. From database inception to May 2023, research on stigma interventions for WLWH was searched in databases including Embase (OVID), MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), ProQuest, Scopus, WANFANG, VIP, CNKI, and SinoMed. Literature was screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and results were extracted for scoping review. Twelve studies were included featuring information-based, skills-based interventions, and a combination of both, targeting individuals and institutions. Six studies reported significant reduction in stigma. Assessment tools used included the 7-item Questionnaire on Attitudes toward AIDS Victims (AQAV-7), the 40-item HIV Stigma Scale (HSS-40), the 14-item Chronic Illness Stigma Scale (SSCI-14), the 28-item Internalization HIV-Related Stigma Scale (IHSS-28), the 57-item Internalized Stigma Scale (IS-57), and the 6-item Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale (IA-RSS-6). Validation of existing intervention and the development of mechanisms linking interventions to stigma reduction are needed.

Intersecting Expectations when Expecting: Pregnancy-Related Weight Stigma in Women of Colour.

Weight stigma is a social justice issue that can lead to weight-based discrimination and mistreatment. In pregnancy, emerging evidence has highlighted that weight stigma predominantly affects individuals who have larger bodies and is associated with postpartum depression and avoidance of healthcare. Racial and ethnic background will influence perceptions of, and responses to, weight stigma and therefore it is necessary to ensure diverse voices are represented in our understanding of weight stigma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten women who were within one year postpartum; nine identified as Black or African American and one as Hawaiian. Thematic analysis led to identification of three themes: (1) sources of weight stigma and their response to it, (2) support systems to overcome weight stigma, and (3) intersectional experiences. Women reported that sources of weight stigma included unsolicited comments made about their weight often coming from strangers or healthcare professionals that resulted in emotional distress. Support systems identified were family members and partners who encouraged them to not focus on negative remarks made about weight. Intersectional accounts included comparing their bodies to White women, suggesting that they may carry their weight differently. Women shared that, although they felt immense pressure to lose weight quickly postpartum, motherhood and childcare was their utmost priority. These findings inform further prospective examination of the implications of weight stigma in pregnancy among diverse populations, as well as inform inclusive public health strategies to mitigate weight stigma.

The Stigma and Infertility-Related Stress of Chinese Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study was conducted to investigate the stigma status of infertile women in China and to determine the influencing factors. 366 infertile women from the gynecological and reproductive departments of two tertiary hospitals completed socio-demographic questionnaires, the Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS) and the Mandarin Fertility Problem Inventory (M-FPI). The scores of stigma and infertility-related stress in infertile women were (52.51 ± 17.74) and (150.03 ± 17.51), respectively. Multiple regression analysis found that location of residence, regarding children as the most important thing in life, talking to others about infertility and infertility-related stress were the main influencing factors of stigma in infertile women, which explained 17.3% of the total variance. In the current study, the level of stigma in women with infertility was at the middle range. Location of residence, regarding children as the most important thing in life, whether to talk with others about infertility and infertility-related stress were the four main influencing factors of stigma.

Physical fitness in Indian women with epilepsy on anti-seizure medications and its association with reproductive status, quality of life and stigma: A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo determine the status of physical fitness, reproductive abnormalities, QOL and epilepsy associated stigma in women with epilepsy (WWE) and their association with ASM therapy and seizure frequency. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included WWE of reproductive age (18–50 years) on antiseizure medications (ASMs) for at least three months before enrolment. Physical fitness was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) and Body composition analysis. Subjects were interviewed for menstrual abnormalities [menstrual disturbance or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)/hirsutism]. Validated questionnaires were used for assessment of, QOL (QOLIE-10) and Stigma in epilepsy (Epilepsy Stigma Scale). Sub-group analysis was done to compare the above parameters on the basis of a) type of therapy (mono or polytherapy), b) type of ASMs treatment (conventional, newer, or conventional + newer ASMs), and c) seizure type and (d) seizure frequency. Correlation and regression analysis were done to find out the association among different variables with physical fitness. ResultsThe overall prevalence of poor physical fitness, reproductive abnormalities, worsened QOL and stigma in the enrolled WWE (n = 203) were 21.18 %, 20.19 %, 52.7 %, and 21.67 %, respectively. Sub-group analysis revealed that WWE on monotherapy (n = 99) had higher median IPAQ score (p = 0.002), comparatively less reproductive abnormalities (24.03 %, p = 0.008), and higher stigma (24.03 %, p = 0.04) than polytherapy group. WWE on conventional ASMs had significantly higher IPAQ scores compared to newer and conventional + newer ASMs groups (p = 0.02). The prevalence of poor physical fitness and stigma was significantly higher in WWE with higher number of seizures (p = 0.007, <0.001, respectively). No significant difference in QOL was observed on the basis of ASM type and therapy; however, WWE with generalized onset seizures had worsened QOL compared to those with focal onset seizures (p = 0.04). A significant negative correlation was found among seizure frequency and IPAQ score in WWE (p = 0.04). ConclusionWWE on polytherapy were physically less active, higher occurrence of reproductive abnormalities, and stigma compared to the monotherapy group. WWE with higher seizure frequency had poor physical fitness, and higher stigma compared to those with lesser number of seizures. These findings may aid value in optimization of ASM treatment in WWE of reproductive age.

Development and Psychometric Validation of the Breast Cancer Stigma Assessment Scale for Women with Breast Cancer and Its Survivors.

The increase in breast cancer cases and breast cancer survival makes it advisable to quantify the impact of the health-related stigma of this disease. To develop and validate a breast cancer stigma scale in Spanish. Women diagnosed with, or survivors of, breast cancer were included. The development of the Breast Cancer Stigma Assessment Scale (BCSAS) involved both a literature review and personal interviews. Content validity was assessed using a Delphi study and a pilot test; construct validity was evaluated using an exploratory factor analysis; and convergent validity was assessed using six scales. Cronbach's α internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used to determine the reliability of the scales. 231 women responded to the 28-item scale. The BCSAS showed good reliability, with α = 0.897. Seven factors emerged: concealment (α = 0.765), disturbance (α = 0.772), internalized stigma (α = 0.750), aesthetics (α = 0.779), course (α = 0.599), danger (α = 0.502), and origin (α = 0.350). The test-retest reliability was 0.830 (p < 0.001). Significant correlation was observed with event centrality (r = 0.701), anxiety-depression (r = 0.668), shame (r = 0.645), guilt (r = 0.524), and quality of life (r = -0.545). The BCSAS is a reliable and valid measure of stigma in women with breast cancer and its survivors. It could be useful for detecting stigma risk and establishing psychotherapeutic and care priorities.

The status and influencing factors of stigma in women of childbearing age with chronic kidney disease

The status and influencing factors of stigma in women of childbearing age with chronic kidney disease

Trendy Veil: Law, Function, and Its Stigma on Muslim Society

The trendy Veil was a phenomenon among young women, especially after the Covid 19 outbreak. Many wear the veil as well as a mask to prevent disease. The purpose of this study was to reveal facts related to law, function, and social stigma against women who wear the trendy veil. This research was field research that used a normative approach. Data collection techniques in this study were interviews and documentation. At the same time, the analysis technique used in this study is descriptive. The findings in this study were that the law on wearing a trendy veil was sunnah as long as a trendy veil follows the general rules of dress for Muslim women. The trendy veil has three functions: worship, social, and health. In addition, there has been a change in the stigma of women who wear the veil today, especially women who wear trendy veils. The negative stigma against women who wear the veil has begun to disappear. The Muslim community has considered the trendy veil a necessity and a common thing.

A qualitative metasynthesis of stigma in women living with HIV in the United States

Our goal was to synthesize qualitative studies on HIV-related stigma as experienced by women living with HIV (WLWH) in the U.S. Qualitative metasynthesis techniques as developed by Sandelowski et al. (Res Nurs Health 30(1):99–111, 2007) were used to integrate and update findings on stigma in WLWH in the U.S. in 43 reports of qualitative studies conducted between 2004 and 2023 with 1118 participants. Developed themes explored a collective narrative of women first surviving the intersectionality of multiple sources of stigma, discovering non-linear pathways to transcend their stigma, and finally experiencing resilience through their transcendence of stigma. While this metasynthesis revealed similarities to an earlier metasynthesis in the ubiquity and persistence of stigma, they differ primarily in women’s abilities to find agency in managing and opposing their stigma. This cognitive reframing of their stigma helped women to redefine stigma as ignorance and move towards a more positive assessment of the self. In doing so, they separated themselves from their stigma and the damaging effects of it. Findings from this metasynthesis may serve as a useful tool for the development of stigma reduction interventions specific to the needs and experiences of WLWH in the U.S.

MEMPELAJARI PERAN SOSIAL WANITA DALAM OLAHRAGA DENGAN KONTROVERSI CITRA PATRIARKI DIMASYARAKAT

Women are known as people who have to obey men so that the stigma in women's society as people who have to stay at home and take responsibility in it, in accordance with the existing stigma, people are starting to know sports and women have managed to get gold as proof that women are not weak. With his character, women in sports are not as thought. Until now, women have been considered to complement the zuforia of competitions, such as cheering and cheerleading, but so far many women have been able to show achievements. This research aims to find out the social role of women in sports with the patriarchal image controversy. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative using observation, interviews and literacy. Based on the results and discussion through women's sports, character in sports can be formed, as well as the values ​​of cooperation, sportsmanship, honesty, responsibility. The conclusion in this research is that women are indispensable in sport by adopting an attitude of responsibility, fairness and sportsmanship.&#x0D; Keyword: sosial role of women, patriarchal image, sport

Advancing menopause care in Australia: barriers and opportunities.

Advancing menopause care in Australia: barriers and opportunities.

“One-by-One, TB Took Everything Away From Me”: A Photovoice Exploration of Stigma in Women with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Mumbai

Stigma related to drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), one of the world's most severe infectious diseases, is a major barrier to TB elimination particularly for women living in settings of gender inequity. Drawing on the participatory action research (PAR) framework of photovoice, we explored lived experiences of DR-TB stigma among nine affected women in Mumbai, India. Consenting women took, shared, and contributed to the critical interpretation of 37 non-identifying images and associated narratives with one another and with PAR researchers. The study surfaced vivid, untold stories of trauma and life-altering encounters with enacted, anticipated, and internal stigma, that were characterized by loss (of self, voice, status, mobility), abuse (mental, social) and deep internal distress (shame, isolation, suffocation, peril). The study also revealed how stigmatized women found means to build resilience and resist the impacts of stigma. We further witnessed the building of their collective resilience through study participation. Photovoice proved to be a uniquely compelling method of data capture and interpretation, with potential to develop meaningful engagement and solidarity among women affected by DR-TB.

Effect of Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education in women receiving infertility treatment.

To evaluate the effect of intervention by Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education on stigma, reproductive quality of life, family intimacy and family adaptability in women receiving infertility treatment. This study is a quasi-experimental study. The intervention period is 6 weeks, and the study was implemented between January 2022 and August 2022. A total of 80 women (40 in the control group and 40 in the observation group) receiving infertility treatment were included in the study. The control group was given routine health education intervention, and the observation group was given Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education on the basis of routine health education. The Chinese version of the Infertility Stigma Scale, the Infertility Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Family Intimacy and Adaptability Scale were used to evaluate the effects before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the total score of stigma in the observation group was significantly lower and lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05) and the total score of reproductive quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The dissatisfaction score of family intimacy in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and the dissatisfaction score of family adaptability in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Teach-back and Douyin platform short video health education can reduce the stigma in women receiving infertility treatment and improve their reproductive quality of life, family intimacy and family adaptability.

Internalized HIV-related stigma in women of color obtaining care at an HIV specialty center in Los Angeles County, California

ABSTRACT The current study examined the role of internalized HIV-related stigma in antiretroviral therapy adherence, viral load, and retention in care among women of color living with HIV in Los Angeles County, California. African American and Hispanic/Latino women 18 years of age and older completed a one-time brief survey between September 2017 and February 2018. Descriptive statistics, and univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Seventy-six participants enrolled in the study and 74 completed the entire survey. Seventy-six percent of respondents were Hispanic/Latino, 24% were African American, 71% were unemployed, and 54% had less than a high school education. Thirty-five percent were defined as having “high” stigma with a score in the upper quartile of the scale. Being unemployed, having a high school education or less, and not meeting the Health Resources and Services Administration’s annual retention in care measure were associated with “high” stigma. When controlling for education and employment status, those reporting “high” stigma vs. “low” stigma were 18.8 times more likely to not meet the criteria for annual retention in care (OR = 18.8, 95% CI = 1.9–189.2, p = 0.013). Stigma-reduction interventions targeting healthcare settings may be necessary to improve patient retention and engagement in care.

Is it Time for FPMRS to Prescribe Vibrators?

ABSTRACT Introduction Only recently, the stigma of women using vibrators for sexual pleasure has started to fade. However, for many it still remains a taboo and surrounded with anxiety despite a variety of potential health benefits from its use. Due to the sensitive nature of the conditions Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) specialists treat, they are best suited to review and recommend vibrators to women as a health maintenance intervention. Objective The aim of this review is to evaluate the current utilization and recommendations of vibrator use. Methods We performed a systematic review of PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, Ovid and the Cochrane databases from inception to January 2021. The search was based on the keywords: "sex toy woman", "pelvic vibrator", "sexual stimulation vibrator", "vaginal vibrator” "vibrator pelvic floor", “vibrator incontinence”. Five hundred forty-nine relevant articles were identified. Studies that met inclusion criteria (original research, female subjects, vibrators studied for health benefit) were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included expert opinion or content was not related to our aims. A total of 17 original studies met the criteria and were reviewed in depth. Results The studies naturally fell into four topics: sexual function (8), pelvic floor muscles (2), incontinence (6), and vulvodynia (1) . Among the identified studies, vibrators were considered as an accepted modality to enhance a woman's sexual experience, positively correlated with increased sexual desire, satisfaction, and overall sexual function. Vibratory stimulation can improve pelvic floor muscles strength, vulvodynia, and incontinence. Conclusions Vibrators are not well studied and given the promising benefits demonstrated in the articles identified, more research efforts should be directed towards investigating their utility. Considering the potential pelvic health benefits of vibrators, their recommendation to women should be included in our pelvic floor disorder treatment armamentarium. Disclosure No

Internalized weight stigma in women with class III obesity: Arandomized controlled trial of a virtual lifestyle modification intervention followed by a mindful self-compassion intervention.

Internalized weight stigma (Internalized-WS) is prevalent among individuals with severe obesity, particularly women, and is associated with shame, disordered eating, and weight gain. Effective, accessible interventions that address both severe (Class-III) obesity and Internalized-WS are needed. This randomized pilot trial evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a fully-remote lifestyle modification intervention (LM) followed by mindful self-compassion training (MSC) or control. Twenty-eight women with Class-III obesity (46.6±3.7kg/m2) and elevated Internalized-WS were randomized to a virtually-delivered 4-month LM followed by a 2-month MSC or cooking/dietary education (CON). Psychosocial measures/weight were assessed at baseline, 4-(post-LM), 6-(post-MSC/CON), and 9-month (follow-up). Improvements in Internalized-WS, shame, and self-compassion were observed with LM. Mean 4-month weight loss was 6.3±3.7%. MSC had lower attendance and usefulness ratings versus CON. Post-MSC/CON, MSC yielded significant and/or meaningful improvements in Internalized-WS, self-compassion, and intuitive eating relative to CON. Weight loss did not differ by group at 6-month, and at 9-month trended lower in MSC versus CON. Virtual LM is feasible, acceptable, and leads to significant weight loss among women with severe obesity; MSC led to further improved Internalized-WS, self-compassion, and intuitive eating. Continued work is needed to elucidate effects of self-compassion training on Internalized-WS, its mechanisms, and linkages to cardiometabolic health and long-term weight loss.

Linguistic taboo, ideology, and erasure: Reproducing homophobia as norm and lesbianism as stigma in women's football in Turkey

AbstractWomen's football (soccer) in Turkey is an introverted community of practice with linguistic practices and ideologies that maintain homophobia as norm. The word “lesbian” is taboo and substituted with “shorthaired,” and lesbian identity is erased as “wannabe manliness.” Homosexuality appears “acceptable” (through erasure) only when women self‐present as normatively feminine, and such “propriety” is class related. The linguistic taboo is fractured if interlocutor “footing” shifts vis‐à‐vis researcher expectations. However, the very moments when linguistic taboo is fractured reveal homophobia as the reigning norm. Given the larger political context in Turkey where queer identity and existence are threatened, the workings of linguistic ideology, linguistic taboo, and homophobia in women's football raise the stakes for queer footballers regarding how they may claim sexual identities. This article is based on four months of fieldwork in 2019 and 2020, mostly in Istanbul, with current and former footballers, coaches, media representatives, and club and federation administrators.

"Better If They Laugh with Me than at Me": The Role of Humor in Coping with Obesity-Related Stigma in Women.

This study investigated the role of perceived stigmatization in the relationship between humor styles and coping with stress among young women suffering from stigma due to obesity. In the 21st century, obesity is an increasing global health issue with many physical and mental consequences for obese women. As a chronic stigmatizing disease, it requires that the affected individuals cope with social consequences; women with obesity are more prone to such consequences than men. Humor fosters the breaking of stereotypes and alleviating the consequences of stigmatization. A total of 127 young adult women (age M = 25.74, SD = 2.73) participated in the study (n = 54 with overfat and n = 73 with healthy fat). Participants filled out the Humor Styles Questionnaire, Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire, and the Brief COPE Scale. Anthropometric data were gathered using a body composition analyzer. Results indicate that, when perceiving hostile behaviors toward themselves and using humor as a coping strategy, women with overfat select maladaptive styles of humor (i.e., self-defeating and aggressive styles). Women with overfat were also more likely to use humor as a coping strategy in difficult situations. Furthermore, none of the participants were satisfied with their body mass. At the same time, among women without obesity, a lack of compliments was not treated as a problem, even if they had high body fat.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Associated with Greater Internalization of Weight Stigma in Women with Excess Weight.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be an early life factor associated with adult weight stigma via biological (e.g., stress response), cognitive (e.g., self-criticism/deprecation), and/or emotional (e.g., shame) mechanisms. This pilot study investigated relationships between ACEs and internalized and experienced weight stigma in adult women with overweight/obesity and explored differential relationships between weight stigma and ACE subtypes (i.e., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction). Adult women (68% white, Mage = 33 ± 10 years, MBMI = 33.7 ± 7.2 kg/m2) completed measures of ACEs (ACE Questionnaire), internalized weight stigma (IWS; Weight Bias Internalization Scale—Modified; WBIS—M), and lifetime experiences of weight stigma (yes/no). Data were analyzed with linear and logistic regression (n = 46), adjusting for age, race, and body mass index (BMI). Linear regressions revealed a positive association between ACE and WBIS—M scores (β = 0.40, p = 0.006), which was driven by Abuse-type ACEs (β = 0.48, p = 0.009). Relationships between WBIS—M scores and Neglect- and Household-Dysfunction-type ACEs did not reach significance (β = 0.20, p = 0.173; β = −0.16, p = 0.273). Though descriptive statistics revealed greater rates of experienced weight stigma endorsement by those with high-3+ ACEs (81%) vs. medium-1–2 ACEs (67%) or low/no-0 ACEs (60%), ACE scores were not significantly associated with experienced weight stigma in logistic regression (Wald = 1.36, p = 0.244, OR = 1.324, 95%, CI = 0.825–2.125). ACEs may be an early life factor that increase the risk for internalizing weight stigma in adulthood. Larger studies should confirm this relationship and follow-up on descriptive findings suggesting a potential association between ACEs and experienced weight stigma.

"What can her body do?" Reducing weight stigma by appreciating another person's body functionality.

Weight stigma is prevalent across multiple life domains, and negatively affects both psychological and physical health. Yet, research into weight stigma reduction techniques is limited, and rarely results in reduced antipathy toward higher-weight individuals. The current pre-registered study investigated a novel weight stigma reduction intervention. We tested whether a writing exercise focusing on body functionality (i.e., everything the body can do, rather than how it looks) of another person leads to reductions in weight stigma. Participants were 98 women (Mage = 23.17, Range = 16-63) who viewed a photograph of a higher-weight woman, "Anne," and were randomised to complete a writing exercise either describing what "Anne's" body could do (experimental group) or describing her home (active control group). Facets of weight stigma were assessed at pretest and posttest. At posttest, the experimental group evidenced higher fat acceptance and social closeness to "Anne" compared with the active control group. However, no group differences were found in attribution complexity, responsibility, and likeability of "Anne". A brief body functionality intervention effectively reduced some, but not all, facets of weight stigma in women. This study provides evidence that functionality-focused interventions may hold promise as a means to reduce weight stigma.

Unburdening the Weight of Stigma: Findings From a Compassion-Focused Group Program for Women With Overweight and Obesity.

The aim of this study was to develop a 2-day intensive-format, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) based group program targeting weight stigma in women with overweight and obesity, and to conduct a pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Participants were 15 females aged 18-62 years (mean [M] = 43.60, standard deviation [SD] = 12.38), who participated in the program and completed measures of self-compassion, internalized weight stigma, psychological distress, life-satisfaction, loneliness, eating self-efficacy, body dissatisfaction, and body shame, at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements were found from pre-treatment to post-treatment for self-compassion and internalized weight stigma, with gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements were also found on measures of psychological distress, life satisfaction, loneliness, eating self-efficacy, and body dissatisfaction at the post-treatment assessment. Credibility ratings of the program were high. This study has contributed to existing stigma research, being the first proof-of-concept study to demonstrate support for an intensive, CFT based group approach targeting the effects of weight stigma for women with overweight and obesity. The findings are discussed in terms of the potential of CFT to assist women develop resilience to the harmful effects of weight stigma, and possible future research directions to further develop and evaluate this approach.