Stigma and Related Factors in Iranian People with Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Stigma is one of the psychosocial and intercultural issues that can be found in chronic diseases, including cancer. Stigma may reduce communication due to social isolation, feeling shame and others’ judgment, and these factors make far from professional services and poor health outcomes in individuals with cancer. Assessment of stigma can help determine and recognize the overall levels of stigma in the community and identify situations that need intervention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine stigma and related factors in individuals with cancer in Iran. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 142 patients with cancer selected via convenience sampling method in two hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti Medical University. A demographic as well as clinical record form and “A questionnaire for measuring attitudes toward cancer (cancer stigma) - Patients version” by Cho et al., (2013) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. RESULTS: More than one quarter of participants (26.1%) had negative attitudes toward cancer and high stigma score>= 2.5. More than half of the participants (57.5%) agreed that their job performance would be reduced even after treatment. 54.5% of the patients considered it difficult to regain health after being diagnosed. There was a significant correlation between the stigma score and the level of education (p= 0.033, OR=0.78). CONCLUSION: The results showed that stigma in dimensions of impossibility of recovery and stereotypical aspects of cancer were more common. These findings can lead to interventions and educational efforts on cancer coherence which may help in treatment, rehabilitation and return to normal life.