Exploring the stigma experienced by people affected by Parkinson’s disease
Author Information
Author(s): Sophie Crooks, Gary Mitchell, Lisa Wynne, Gillian Carter
Primary Institution: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland UK
Hypothesis
This systematic review aims to explore PD-related stigma, examining its impact on individuals and their caregivers, and identifying potential interventions to reduce stigma.
Conclusion
The review underscores the significant impact of stigma on individuals with PD and their caregivers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address public misconceptions and improve quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Stigma significantly impacts individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, exacerbating social isolation and psychological distress.
- Over 50% of people with Parkinson’s disease conceal their diagnosis due to stigma.
- Public misconceptions about Parkinson’s disease contribute to stigma and hinder access to care.
Takeaway
People with Parkinson's disease often feel ashamed and isolated because of how others view their condition, but understanding and education can help reduce this stigma.
Methodology
This systematic review followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidance, using thematic analysis and narrative synthesis to integrate findings from qualitative and quantitative studies.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the variability in sample sizes across studies, which may affect the generalizability of findings.
Limitations
The review is limited to English-language publications, which may exclude valuable insights from non-English-speaking regions.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 65.1 years, with a range from 30 to 94 years old, including both people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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