Stigma In Women Research Articles

Development and psychometric evaluation of the female infertility stigma instrument (ISI-F): protocol for a mixed method study

BackgroundInfertility stigma is one of the greatest challenges in most societies for reproduction and sexual health of infertile women. Since no specific tool exists for assessing the infertility stigma in women, this study would be conducted to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of Female Infertility Stigma Instrument (ISI-F).MethodsThis is a mixed method study with sequential exploratory design (qualitative and quantitative phase). In the first qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews would be performed with infertile female who had experienced infertility whithout any psychological disorder. Women who are eligible for participating in the study will be selected using purposeful sampling method with maximum variation in terms of age, education, occupation and infertility duration. Data would be analyzed using conventional content analysis and in this phase the primary item pool will be developed for the Female Infertility Stigma Instrument (ISI-F). In the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the Instrument would be evaluated, including the content, face and construct validity as well as reliability via the internal consistency and stability. The psychometric properties described in the COSMIN checklist will be utilized for designing the instrument.DiscussionDeveloping a valid and reliable scale for Female Infertility Stigma Instrument (ISI-F) would be helpful for future studies to assess the status of this situation. It also helps planning interventional studies for improvement of the reproductive health of infertile women.

Healthism and the experiences of social, healthcare and self-stigma of women with higher-weight

This study analyses how the discourse of healthism contributes to the social construction of weight stigma in women with higher-weight. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine women who had undergone bariatric surgery and had lived with higher-weight during many years. A thematic analysis from a latent and constructionist perspective showed how the discourse of healthism was behind the experiences of stigma lived by the participants in the social and healthcare field. Even instances of self-stigma were found in our data. This study also illustrates how people influenced by healthism assumed individualism and the importance of body shape, core values of neoliberal consumer societies. In this way, people tended to blame women with higher-weight for their weight and to discriminate against for being far from the socially established ideal body. The findings can be useful to prevent weight stigmatization and to promote more appropriate and respectful strategies for obesity prevention and treatment.

Formulation and Constraints of Women Economic Empowerment of AN-Nisa’ Cooperative

One of the problems faced by Muslim women in Indonesia is the lack of empowerment in the economic field. An-Nisa’ cooperative in Pati district, Central Java is one of the cooperative which consists of women who want to empower women. The effort to empower women’s economy is certainly not easy because of the gender stigma in women and also the effort of male gender domination of women. This research uses qualitative research method with descriptive approach. The study was conducted for 6 months in An-Nisa’ cooperative. The research data were collected through in-depth interview, observation, documentation and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The results show that the economic empowerment effort undertaken by An-Nisa’ cooperative through the agreement that all members are women. Empowerment is also done through unsecured loands. Constraints faced in the economic empowerment of women is the domination of husbands in the utilization of productive credit

Understanding the relapse process: exploring Iranian women\u2019s substance use experiences

BackgroundRelapse is one of the main challenges that must be tackled in the drug addiction treatment. Different factors contribute to the relapse process but it remains unclear how relapse occursin women. Describing the relapse phenomenon in women might be of interest to practitioners and academics. The aim of this study was to explore the relapse experiences of Iranian women with a substance use disorder.MethodsQualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with women with a substance use disorder. The interviews contained open-ended questions regarding relapse experiences during previous treatment. Interviews were digitally recorded. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method.ResultsIn total, 20 women who use drugs took part in the study. The mean age of the women was 34.57 (age range = 9.6 years), and the minimum age of participants was 23 years. The following five main themes were explored: socioeconomic backgrounds, physical complications of drug withdrawal, psychological burden of drug withdrawal, family atmosphere, and cultural factors. The findings highlighted the different treatment needs in women with a substance use disorder.ConclusionsBased on the interviews, it seems necessary to develop female-specific comprehensive treatment programs by putting more emphasis on pain treatment intervention, relapse prevention, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, couples counseling, and financial support. Furthermore, policymakers should be committed to providing a nonjudgmental social environment to remove or reduce stigma of women with drug use problems.

Fat Stigma in Women’s Health

Fat Stigma in Women’s Health

Women as Consumers: An Analysis on Their Consumption Culture

Purpose - This study aims to elucidate the status of women as consumers and observe their consumption trends in relation to culture. Research design, data, and methodology - Past studies of women as consumers were observed and their consumer behaviors were noted. The stigma of women in society and how it has impacted the market industries were examined. Additionally, the role of culture in consumerism for women were also reviewed and elucidated. Results - The stereotypical roles that are placed in women in society are still prevalent for the marketing industry and is reflected in their businesses. Additionally, the role of culture plays a significant role in the consumer behaviors of women and thus businesses should understand its intricate differences between countries. Fashion industry is one that plays a prominent role in women’s consumerism and the impact of culture has a prominent impact on women’s consumer habits as well. Conclusions - Additional studies should be conducted to understand the consumerisms of women in the marketing industry. Businesses should also be aware of the vastly different cultural norms of various countries and tailor to their preferences. Only through a thorough examination and understanding of the consumer behavior in women will markets be able to flourish and gain solid ground in global businesses.

Gender Differences in Factors Related to HIV Risk Behaviors among People Who Inject Drugs in North-East India.

People who inject drugs (PWID) in India are at high risk for HIV, with women being at elevated risk. Using a socio-ecological framework, this study assessed whether factors associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors differed across men and women PWID. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from 6449 PWID in 7 cities in Northeast India. Men (n = 5653) and women (n = 796) PWID were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). We assessed sex differences in two recent HIV transmission risk behaviors: multiple sex partners and needle/syringe sharing. We used multi-level logistic regression models, which incorporated sampling weights and random intercepts for city, to assess factors associated with these HIV risks, separately among men and women. The prevalence of HIV was significantly higher among women than men (53% vs 18.4%, p<0.01). Nearly 13% of men and 8% of women (p = .30) had multiple partners. Employment in men and relationship status and stigma in women were significantly associated with multiple partners. Approximately 25% of men and 19% of women engaged in needle sharing (p = .16). Younger age in women and depression symptoms in men were significantly associated with increased risk for sharing needles. We found that sexual and drug related risk behaviors were common among PWID in Northeast India, and there were differences between men and women in the socio-ecologic correlates of these behaviors. Contextually-integrated and gender-specific HIV prevention and intervention efforts are needed that consider factors at individual, interpersonal- and community-levels that uniquely impact HIV risks among PWID.

Stigma in women with urinary incontinence: a literature review

Stigma in women with urinary incontinence: a literature review

National population size estimation of illicit drug users through the network scale-up method in 2013 in Iran

BackgroundFor a better understanding of the current situation of drug use in Iran, we utilized the network scale-up approach to estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use in the entire country. MethodsWe implemented a self-administered, street-based questionnaire to 7535 passersby from the general public over 18 years of age by street based random walk quota sampling (based on gender, age and socio-economic status) from 31 provinces in Iran. The sample size in each province was approximately 400, ranging from 200 to 1000. In each province 75% of sample was recruited from the capital and the remaining 25% was recruited from one of the large cities of that province through stratified sampling. The questionnaire comprised questions on demographic information as well as questions to measure the total network size of participants as well as the network size in each of seven drug use groups including Opium, Shire (combination of Opium residue and pure opium), Crystal Methamphetamine, heroin/crack (which in Iranian context is a cocaine-free drug that mostly contains heroin, codeine, morphine and caffeine with or without other drugs), Hashish, Methamphetamine/LSD/ecstasy, and injecting drugs. The estimated size for each group was adjusted for transmission and barrier ratios. ResultsThe most common type of illicit drug used was opium with the prevalence of 1500 per 100,000 population followed by shire (660), crystal methamphetamine (590), hashish (470), heroin/crack (350), methamphetamine, LSD and ecstasy (300) and injecting drugs (280). All types of substances were more common among men than women. The use of opium, shire and injecting drugs was more common in individuals over 30 whereas the use of stimulants and hashish was largest among individuals between 18 and 30 years of age. ConclusionIt seems that younger individuals and women are more desired to use new synthetic drugs such as crystal methamphetamine. Extending the preventive programs especially in youth as like as scaling up harm reduction services would be the main priorities in prevention and control of substance use in Iran. Because of poor service coverage and high stigma in women, more targeted programs in this affected population are needed.

Minority College Women's Views on Condom Negotiation.

This study utilized quantitative and qualitative methods to (1) investigate the relationship between frequency of condom use and negotiation strategies and (2) evaluate experiences with condom negotiations among sexually active, heterosexual, African American college women. One hundred female students from a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) completed a questionnaire that included the Condom Influence Strategies Scale (CIS) and participated in a focus group. An ANOVA was conducted to compare differences between never, inconsistent, and consistent condom users. Consistent condom users scored higher than never users on the “withholding sex” subscale of the CIS (4.88 vs. 3.55; p < 0.001) as well as endorsed items more strongly on the “direct request” subscale of the CIS (4.63 vs. 3.82, p < 0.05) than never users. A thematic analysis of open discussions identified overarching themes. Similarly, refusing sex and/or having direct communications with partner emerged as primary strategies. Threats to negotiation included deciding the “right timing” of discussion and having a previous history of sexual intercourse without a condom with their partner. Other key concepts that contribute to condom negotiation are the views that condoms are a male’s responsibility and stigma of women who carry condoms.

Stigma in women living with HIV in Coimbatore District of TamilNadu

Stigma in patients living with HIV (PLWHIV) is an important factor influencing the non disclosure of disease as well as treatment. Stigma levels were measured in 43 Women living with HIV/AIDS, in Coimbatore district , Tamilnadu, India. Scores in the 4 domains of stigma –Personalized stigma, Disclosure stigma, Negative self-image and Public attitude stigma were calculated using the standardised Berger scale . Overall mean scores of each of the four forms of stigma was calculated .Scores in each domain were split into three levels low , moderate and high and the percentage of patients in each level was calculated. High mean scores and percentage of women scoring high stigma levels was found for disclosure stigma followed by public attitude concern stigma. Negative self image showed the least stigma score. Correlation of scores with demographic data showed that socioeconomic status had significant negative relationship with Disclosure, concern with public attitude and with Overall Score . Interventions to improve quality of life in PLWHIV and to achieve better outcomes should focus more on reducing disclosure stigma and perceived public concern stigma along with education of Public against discrimination. Program evaluation should be done in a larger scale .

Changing Attitude of Women towards Infertility and Motherhood

Abstract The present study was conducted among the employed women (N=50) at their reproductive age (25-35 years) of urban Kolkata to elucidate their changing attitudes towards infertility and motherhood. We found that the women were very much attentive to their personal happiness and career. They did not believe to perform their traditional female roles because in their opinion it was a restriction of achieving their equity and justice in our patriarchal society. They were engrossed into most modern urban mode of life. They did not prefer to enter into their marital relation because it would be a threat to cherish their happiness. Even in their opinion infertility would not be a stigma in women’s lives because it would be an obstacle for their freedom and self progress in their working life. But they would prefer to enjoy the taste of motherhood otherwise rather than biologically. Thus reproductive rights of women were violated through their overall behaviour.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Down's Syndrome: Pregnant Women's Views and Likely Uptake

Background: The introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down's syndrome into routine state-funded antenatal care in the UK is approaching. Methods: We conducted qualitative one-to-one interviews with 40 pregnant women to ascertain their views on using NIPT for Down's syndrome. Results: The overwhelming majority of women viewed NIPT as a positive advancement in prenatal care, highlighting numerous practical and psychological advantages of a safe test that was highly accurate and could be conducted early in pregnancy. Concerns raised were that testing could become routinised, and that pressure to test might occur with women feeling less justified in declining a blood test that is available and offered by trusted health professionals; the impact on the disabled community and stigma for women who decline testing was also noted. Nevertheless, the vast majority of women said they would be likely to use NIPT, including half of the women who currently decline screening. Women's preference was for pre- and post-test counselling to be delivered by a midwife. Conclusion: The successful introduction of NIPT into routine prenatal care will require guidelines and counselling strategies which ensure women are offered this test in a way which safeguards informed consent.

Stigma, Gender, and their Impact on Patients with Tuberculosis in Rural Bangladesh

In addition to marginalization by poverty and ethnicity, gender is likely to contribute to vulnerability to TB-related stigma affecting women. Stigma often contributes to psychosocial problems and emotional suffering, and it may hinder help seeking and treatment adherence. TB-related stigma and its gender-specific features have not been carefully studied in Bangladesh, and such research is needed to reduce adverse effects of stigma. This study assessed and compared stigma in women and men, and identified crosscutting and gender-specific features of TB-related stigma. To assess stigma and the context of TB-related illness experience, meaning and help seeking behavior from patients’ perspectives, a cultural epidemiological study administered a locally adapted semi-structured EMIC interview to 50 women and 52 men with pulmonary TB in rural Bangladesh. Indicators of TB-related stigma were assessed individually and collectively in a validated index. They were compared by sex, and illness narratives elaborated features of stigma with reference to features of TB. The study showed that six indicators of TB-related stigma were more prominent in accounts of women and two were more prominent in men's interviews. Gender differences appeared somewhat less after adjusting for other sociodemographic variables, and age was most significantly inversely related to stigma. Features of stigma more prominent in the accounts of women included feeling shamed or embarrassed, thinking less of themselves and feeling that others refused to visit or avoided them. Men were less likely to disclose their condition to a confidant, stay away from work or report that their spouse refused sex because of TB. Effective public health information and counselling sensitive to gender-specific features of stigma are needed to protect TB patients from the adverse impact of avoidable stigma. Further research is needed to clarify effects of gender-specific features of felt and enacted stigma on help seeking and treatment adherence.

Gender specific correlates of stigma toward depression in a Canadian general population sample

Objectives To identify gender specific demographic, clinical, knowledge and attitudinal factors associated with stigma related to depression. Methods Data were collected between February and June 2006 in a probability sampled population-based survey of 3047 adults in Alberta, Canada. Measures included a depression stigma scale. Correlates of stigma were examined using bivariate analyses and linear regression modeling methods separately for men and women. Results In multivariate linear regression models, correct identification of depression in a case description and agreement with health professionals about treatments were associated with lower stigma scores, regardless of gender. Endorsing GP/family doctors and taking medications as being the best help for depression was negatively associated with stigma scores in women. In men, endorsing family/friends as the best help for depression or “don't know” the best help for depression was positively associated with stigma scores. Women who had family/friends with depression had less stigma than women who did not have. This was not observed in men. Among male participants, significant interactions between being a health professional, having close family/friends with depression and reporting “weakness of character” as a causal factor for depression were found. Conclusions Improving mental health literacy may be one of the promising ways to reduce stigma associated with depression. Personal contacts with individuals with depression may have positive effects on stigma in women. Mental health education and promotion should clarify misconceptions about causes, treatments and risk factors for depression. Gender differences related to stigma should be considered in stigma reduction initiatives.

Understanding social stigma in women with hepatitis C

The aim of this research is to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) on women. This research used qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight HCV-positive women. The interviews explored counselling and testing, social stigma, treatment options, transmission and gender roles, and the influence of reductionism on the experience of HCV-positive women attending services. All the women experienced significant difficulties coming to terms with the diagnosis. Many had worries about transmission and stigma--these worries affected their relationships, including those with sexual partners, family members and children. Most of the women had mixed feelings about knowing their diagnosis and varying levels of satisfaction with treatments and services provided. Women appear to have individual anxieties related to the transmission of HCV and their ability to carry out their social roles. They were particularly concerned about social stigma, sexual transmission, pregnancy and childcare. These worries affected their close relationships and resulted in concerns about their ability to fulfil expected gender roles.

Understanding social stigma in women with hepatitis C

Understanding social stigma in women with hepatitis C

The Stigma of Women's Weight: Social and Economic Realities

This article reviews the literature on weight and social stigma. It argues that obese women are both held accountable for their weight and rejected on account of their weight. Secondly, it presents evidence that obese women become downwardly socially mobile because of their weight. Finally, it points to some directions that are necessary for western society to cease its obsession with body weight and consequently improve the life satisfaction and mental health of millions of women.

A low cost blood pressure screening and follow-up program in the nation's capitol: Robert H. Conn, D.C. Department of Human Resources, Washington, D.C

For a better understanding of the current situation of drug use in Iran, we utilized the network scale-up approach to estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use in the entire country.We implemented a self-administered, street-based questionnaire to 7535 passersby from the general public over 18 years of age by street based random walk quota sampling (based on gender, age and socio-economic status) from 31 provinces in Iran. The sample size in each province was approximately 400, ranging from 200 to 1000. In each province 75% of sample was recruited from the capital and the remaining 25% was recruited from one of the large cities of that province through stratified sampling. The questionnaire comprised questions on demographic information as well as questions to measure the total network size of participants as well as the network size in each of seven drug use groups including Opium, Shire (combination of Opium residue and pure opium), Crystal Methamphetamine, heroin/crack (which in Iranian context is a cocaine-free drug that mostly contains heroin, codeine, morphine and caffeine with or without other drugs), Hashish, Methamphetamine/LSD/ecstasy, and injecting drugs. The estimated size for each group was adjusted for transmission and barrier ratios.The most common type of illicit drug used was opium with the prevalence of 1500 per 100,000 population followed by shire (660), crystal methamphetamine (590), hashish (470), heroin/crack (350), methamphetamine, LSD and ecstasy (300) and injecting drugs (280). All types of substances were more common among men than women. The use of opium, shire and injecting drugs was more common in individuals over 30 whereas the use of stimulants and hashish was largest among individuals between 18 and 30 years of age.It seems that younger individuals and women are more desired to use new synthetic drugs such as crystal methamphetamine. Extending the preventive programs especially in youth as like as scaling up harm reduction services would be the main priorities in prevention and control of substance use in Iran. Because of poor service coverage and high stigma in women, more targeted programs in this affected population are needed.