Exploring stigma in individuals with Pernicious Anaemia

Abstract

Pernicious Anaemia (PA) is a chronic condition which results from the body being unable to absorb vitamin B12. Nearly two thirds of individuals living with PA report that they are dissatisfied with their current treatment plan; Patients commonly report that their condition is not understood by health professionals (Hooper, Hudson, Porter and McCaddon, 2014). To date there has been no research documenting the extent to which individuals with PA experience stigma and what impact this has on their wellbeing. This study aims to measure stigma in individuals living with PA using the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale (CIASS, Earnshaw, Quinn & Park, 2012). Respondents will also complete a number of general measures of psychological wellbeing. It is anticipated that this study will document high levels of anticipated stigma in this patient group. Experiencing stigma is likely to have a direct impact on measures of psychological well being. This study is in the initial data collection stage but it is anticipated that the findings will further the understanding of the impact of stigma in chronic illness.