Description/Overview: Cultural groups share beliefs and values that influence behaviors, which in turn, influence the social world of the person. During this symposium we’ll discuss findings related to stigma in four chronic conditions. Stigma will be defined using Goffman’s classic work as an attribute of the person that is discrediting. The leads to a social labeling process which identifies the person as deviant, leading to negative reactions and social isolation. Stigma has been addressed HIV-AIDS and mental illness, but less so in other chronic conditions Those who share a common chronic condition create their own cultural subgroups. Stigmatizing experiences frequently occur within these subgroups, and often have a forceful impact on health-related behaviors and social relationships. Frequently, though they are never discussed by either provider or the patients, but may be a source of great stress for the patient. Ethnographic data from studies on persons with Parkinson’s Disease, burn injuries, chronic pain, and a vascular access for hemodialysis will be used to illustrate stigmatizing experiences for persons with these conditions. Stigmatizing experiences from the presented conditions will then be compared and contrasted, and implications for practice discussed. Ethnographic research findings provide knowledge about stigma- related experiences within specific conditions, or cultural subgroups, and may reflect the experiences of many persons who share the condition globally. Providers can use the knowledge as a background for guidance and coaching related to these experiences. Stigma-related stress can then be decreased with open dialog between providers and patients.

Learner Objective #1: Compare and contrast stigmatizing experiences in four patient populations with different chronic conditions

Learner Objective #2: Discuss the clinical implications related to stigma in specific patient populations