Social Stigma Self-Acceptance Against HCV Patients in Sialkot Pakistan

Authors

  • Author- Salbia Abbas, Tehreem Tabbasum, Saira Abbas, Khuzaifa Bibi

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the level of social stigma about HCV patients in our community and the level of self-acceptance in HCV patients.

Methods

Two scales for measuring social stigma and self-acceptance were used. For the measurement of social stigma about HCV patients, HCV Social Stigma Scale by Ayesha Noor and for the measurement of self-acceptance in HCV patients; modified form of Berger's Self-Acceptance Scale was used. The data for social stigma was obtained by general community members while the data for self-acceptance was collected from HCV patients.

Results

 The results indicated that even through there is no relationship between the two variables there is still average level of social stigma in our community about HCV patients (M = 45.76, SD = 10.26) and the level of self-acceptance in HCV patients is also at moderate level (M = 38.09, SD = 11.29). The male HCV patients have more self-acceptance (M = 40.52, SD = 11.27), than female HCV patients (M = 36.44, SD = 10.99).No gender difference was analysed in social stigma against HCV sufferers.

Conclusion

 To conclude, we can say that there is social stigma about HCV patients in our society but this social stigma is not enough significant to affect the level of self-acceptance in HCV patient. In our community, the level of self-acceptance in HCV patients is more than average but it should be increased by raising awareness through.

Keywords:

Social Stigma, HCV, Community, Sialkot

Published

2021/12/14