Stigma among Stroke Survivors in Ethiopia: Experience from a Tertiary Hospital Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Date
2021-11
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background:Stigma among neurologic disease is a widely recognized global health issue. The negative impact it has on different neurologic diseases has been described. Although stroke survivorshave different degree of stigma which may contributes to negative outcomes, there isshortage of study on stigma among stroke survivors and its predictors, especially in low andmiddle income countries. Study title:Stigma among stroke survivors: Experience from a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Objective: To assess the prevalence of stigma and its associated factors among stroke survivors havinga follow up at the Neurologic Out-patient Clinic in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.
Methods: Institution based quantitative cross sectional study was conducted among 123 stroke patients having a follow up at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Neurology Out-patient Clinics.Data were collected by interviewer administered questionnaire. Stigma was measured usingStigma scale for chronic illness (SSCI-8) tool and included self, family, and community perceived stigma. Depression was assessed using Patient Health related Questionnaire(PHQ9), and functional status using modified Rankin Scale. Data were entered and analyzedusing Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V25) software package. Binary logisticregression and multinomial logistic regression was used. Adjusted odds ratios with 95%confidence interval were used to identify associated factors with perceived stigma.
Results:Overall, the prevalence of perceived stigma was 55%. For the perceived family andcommunity, it was 17.9%, and 13.8% respectively. Functional disability [moderate to severedisability (AOR=6.88, CI: 2.257, 22.46) P=.001.], Depression (AOR=19, CI: 2.24,161.34)P=.007 and residual weakness (AOR=9.71, CI: 0.94, 94.95) P=.051were factorsassociated with perceived stigma in stroke patients.
Conclusion and recommendation: Around half of stroke survivors who participated in this study described some form ofperceived stigma. The personal perceived stigma was higher when compared to family orcommunity perceived stigma. Factors associated with perceived stigma were Depression,residual weakness post stroke, and moderate to severe disability functional status. Therehabilitation services for patients with stroke should be strengthened. These should includephysical, emotional, and social aspect of disabilities. In addition, establishing patient supportgroups for stroke survivors, and educating the community about stroke may be important to address stigma.
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Keywords
Stroke,Stigma,Neurologic disease