Living With Stigma and Low Self-esteem Among Individuals With Burn Injuries: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Burn injuries are a significant global public health concern. The psychological problems deserve more attention. Research has shown that reducing the stigma and improving the burn patient’s self-esteem are effective means to promote social reintegration. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between stigma and self-esteem and to examine the independent factors that contribute to with the stigma of burns. The convenience sampling method was used in Guangzhou, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Social Impact Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, statistical inference, correlation testing, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data among 146 burn survivors. The P-value was set as .05. The mean score of SIS was 57.03 ± 6.762. Of the four components of the Social Impact Scale, social rejection had the highest mean score (21.72 ± 3.00). The mean Self-Esteem Scale score was 21.05 ± 2.492, markedly different from the general population. A moderate positive correlation (r = .546, P < .001) was found between stigma and low self-esteem among burn victims. Multiple linear regression analysis identified residence, itching, and Self-Esteem Scale score as significant influencing factors, accounting for 38.5% of the total variance in stigma. Burn survivors reported moderate levels of stigma and low levels of self-esteem. Residence, itching, and Self-Esteem Scale score were significant influencing factors for stigma. To promote recovery of patients with burn injury, it is necessary to eliminate the stigma and improve their self-esteem.

Factors influence the dignity of burns patients: A cross-sectional study

“…39 Moreover, the visibility of burns scarring is an important factor that affects the psychological condition of women; this can make burns patients feel shame and low selfesteem. 16 In addition, female patients are more sensitive to social perceptions than men and more concerned about the different looks of others; thus, females have a stronger perception of dignity impairment and are also more susceptible to the loss of dignity.…”

“…48,49 The repair of peripheral tissues in patients during the rehabilitation period is prone to long-term pruritus, chronic pain, and sleep disorders, plus the need for patients to return to normal social life during this period. Scar growth and bumps caused by burns can change the appearance of patients and produce stigma psychology 16 and induce a fear of returning to normal life. Such patients are prone to social readjustment difficulties, thus affecting dignity.…”

“…Concurrently, burns patients encounter discrimination from others due to alterations in visible attributes, such as changes in appearance following the healing of burn wounds, thereby subjecting them to a stigmatizing ordeal. 16 The alterations in individuals' lifestyles and psychological conditions engender a sense of self-doubt and jeopardize the inherent self-value of burn patients, consequently diminishing their quality of life. Consequently, the diminished quality of life exacerbates patients' anxiety and depressive symptoms, establishing a detrimental cycle that may ultimately culminate in the erosion of their dignity.…”

The effectiveness of the psychosocial empowerment program in early adjustment among adult burn survivors

“…Visible scarring and disfigurement can cause social stigma and challenges in public interactions, underlining the need for early interventions that combine psychosocial support with medical treatment to improve general well-being [ 26 – 28 ]. Various non-pharmacological interventions, including psychotherapy, self-care education, and social skills training, have shown effectiveness in mitigating pain and psychosocial difficulties among burn patients [ 27 , 29 ].…”

The role of nursing care during post-burn mood disorders: A narrative review

“…It is crucial to address these psychological issues promptly to enhance the patients' quality of life and overall well-being. Ignoring these challenges can lead to the development of chronic mental health disorders [85,86].…”