Burden of Stigma in Asthma: A Barrier to Psychological Well-being and Effective Treatment

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affect patients' physical, psychological, and social conditions. But the worst symptom of asthma is the stigma attached to it, which adds emotional suffering, socialization outcomes, and treatment-uncompliant lifestyles, leading to poor disease management and quality of life. Objective: To investigate the impact of stigma on asthma patients, especially social discrimination, self-esteem, and nonadherence to medication. Methodology: The current study was carried out in District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ), Turbat, with collaboration from DHQ Hospital, Khuzdar, during the period of January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 280 patients suffering from asthma, both male and female, participated in this study. Data were obtained from structured questionnaires, validated assessment tools, and semi-structured interviews, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: The study demonstrates that 64.2% of participants experienced social stigma, 57.1% felt embarrassed because of their symptoms, and 51.8% avoided taking inhalers in public. Besides, 60.7% had faced discrimination in the workplace or educational institutions. The psychological effects were also striking, with 53.6% reporting emotional distress and 46.4% social isolation. Conclusion: For asthma patients, stigma grossly affects their psychological health, self-esteem, and treatment compliance. Thus, awareness campaigns, psychosocial support, and inclusive approaches to healthcare are needed to address these issues.