Conceptual analysis of stigma in patients with chronic diseases
SHAO Xiufen
SUN Wenxia
CAO Longyu
Abstract：Objective: To analyze and clarify the conceptual connotation of stigma in patients with chronic diseases. Methods: Relevant literature on stigma in patients with chronic diseases was retrieved from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, EMbase, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang from database establishment to December 21, 2024. The classic concept analysis method by Walker and Avant was used for the concept analysis. Results: A total of 54 articles were included. Three antecedent variables of stigma in patients with chronic diseases were identified: demographic factors, social support factors, and disease and treatment factors. Four concept attributes were summarized: disease stigma, low self-esteem, self-withdrawal, and social withdrawal. The subsequent consequences include exacerbated physical health damage, impaired mental health status, and decreased quality of life. Conclusion: Stigma is an important risk factor affecting patients with chronic diseases. Future research can combine this conceptual connotation to conduct mixed-method studies integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, and explore stigma in patients with chronic diseases from multiple dimensions and levels, thereby developing targeted nursing interventions to reduce adverse outcomes.
Keywords：chronic diseasesstigmaconceptual analysisevidence-based nursing
Publication Date：2025-09-25
Online Publishing Date：2025-10-21(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 3679-3683 )