Experience of stigma among persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa: a systematic review

Abstract

Diabetes stigma is a pervasive social phenomenon with significant impacts on individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite the negative health impact of diabetes stigma, little is known about the experience of this phenomenon in Africa. This review aimed to synthesize existing quantitative and qualitative studies that examine the experiences and outcomes of T2DM stigma in Africa. A mixed studies review methodology was utilized to conduct this research. Relevant articles were identified by searching the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases. The mixed method appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Of 2626 records identified, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of diabetes stigma was as high as 70%. The results of the review indicate that individuals with T2DM in Africa are labelled as ‘having HIV’, ‘nearing their death’ and ‘wasting resources’. These experiences were associated with low quality of life, disease concealment and avoidance of self-management behaviours. The findings highlight the urgent need for further stigma-centric studies to fully understand how T2DM stigma is experienced in Africa. The evidence from such studies would inform the development and evaluation of effective interventions to address this social consequence of T2DM.

Relación Entre Autocuidado Y Estigma Asociado a La Diabetes Tipo 2 en Adultos Mexicanos

“…El estigma de la diabetes es un fenómeno social generalizado con impactos significativos en la salud de las personas con esta enfermedad (16) , a pesar de esto, en la actualidad poco se conoce de este problema en población mexicana. Por lo que, a raíz de la evidencia encontrada surge la necesidad de realizar la presente investigación que tiene como propósito determinar no solo la percepción de discriminación de las personas con este diagnóstico, si no que, además identificar su relación con el autocuidado.…”