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The general public's acceptance of quarantined individuals back into society during a pandemic is key to the psychological adaptation of such individuals after their quarantine. Therefore, we designed an empathy learning programme, implemented on a virtual network platform, that targeted unquarantined individuals and was designed to promote reflection and mutual understanding. Approximately 70 students participated in the programme. The programme consisted of three stages: an observational stage, a reflective stage, and an experiential learning stage. The data from the empathy learning platform on which the course was offered were analysed according to these stages. The study findings revealed that cognitive empathy can be enhanced through four paths: perspective-taking, empathic resonance, feedback cycle, and experience organisation. Leaders need to understand the contextual characteristics of their students' environment to facilitate learning engagement. Using a wider range of media, various types of interactions, and emotional support from leaders can promote in-depth learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on studies looking into how professionals encounter stigma and negotiate their work lives, this article fills a gap in extant sociological literature on gender and professional work by providing original qualitative data on professional women's supported re-entry-to-work experiences. Examining the development of returner programmes in the UK, we investigate the supportive factors in the mitigation of stigma threats associated with the returner status, including organisational support and individual stigma-management strategies. We examine how these social processes contribute to alleviating stigmatisation only partially, while maintaining persistent wage and career discrimination for women returners. To explain this mixed result, we explore the way in which women returners inhabit neoliberal feminist subjectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the literature has widely explored the organisational strategies of populist radical right parties (PRRPs) on the fringes, little is known about the grassroots activism of mainstream PRRPs. We focus on the Italian League and the Swiss People's Party (SVP), two mainstream PRRPs that have a long pedigree of government experience, to investigate if, how and why they invest in extensive activities at the local level to reach the public, despite their pivotal position in the national political scene. Methodologically, we rely on 120 interviews with members and representatives of these two PRRPs to identify the key grassroots activities they carry out at the local level and their perceived goals. The analysis reveals that despite their mainstream status, both the League and SVP still perceive to suffer from stigmatisation and demonisation, as they are not fully accepted as legitimate actors by the public. For this reason, they engage in grassroots activities and activism at the local level, the one closest to the everyday life and concerns of ordinary citizens. Grassroots activism aims to improve the legitimacy of PRRPs, by delivering the idea that their members and activists are normal people committed to help the local communities and not extremists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusion\nPRISMA/PROSPERO STATEMENTDespite increasing global awareness of mental health and illness, individuals with mental illnesses still experience stigma in many African countries. This stigma can be pervasive and evolving, which can negatively impact care and quality of life.This study aims to present a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, experiences, and consequences of mental illness stigmatisation in African countries, and offer recommendations for addressing this issue.A systematic review of qualitative studies investigating mental health stigma was conducted, involving a thorough search of seven databases—APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, African Index Medicus (AIM), ScienceDirect, and Embase—for studies published between 2013 and 2023.Thematic analysis of 28 studies identified five main themes (prevalence of stigma, types of stigma, causes of stigma, experiences of stigma, and impacts of stigma) and seven subthemes.Providing support to mental health service users and their families, as well as implementing policies and strategies to reduce mental health stigma, is crucial to minimising the prevalence and impact of mental health stigma.This is to confirm that the researchers have followed PRISMA guidance while conducting this study. However, the publication of the review protocol on PROSPERO could not be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'étude vise à comparer la stigmatisation des troubles schizophréniques entre deux contextes professionnels (services psychiatriques et services d'aide à l'insertion socioprofessionnelle auprès de personnes vivant avec un handicap psychique). Pour cela, nous avons mesuré des indicateurs de stigmatisation explicites comme la discrimination et la distance sociale et les stéréotypes liés à la chaleur et à la compétence, mais également un indicateur de stigmatisation plus implicite qu'est l'infrahumanisation. Celui-ci consiste à retirer des caractéristiques spécifiquement humaines, les émotions secondaires, aux personnes souffrant de ces troubles. Quatre-vingt onze professionnels (infirmiers, médecins/psychiatres, travailleurs sociaux et psychologues) ont été recrutés dans des structures psychiatriques et des structures sociales. Ces derniers ont rempli un questionnaire en ligne évaluant la stigmatisation des troubles schizophréniques à l'aide de quatre échelles. Les variables sociodémographiques et l'orientation à la dominance sociale ont été également considérées. Les professionnels de la santé mentale travaillant en milieu hospitalier ont montré un niveau de discrimination et de distance sociale plus élevé envers les patients avec des troubles schizophréniques que ceux travaillant dans les services d'aide à l'insertion socioprofessionnelle. Ils leur ont également attribué moins de compétence, mais plus de chaleur, par rapport à ceux travaillant dans des associations de placement professionnel. En revanche, les résultats ont également montré des différences de stigmatisation implicite entre les différents types de professionnels et d'environnements de travail, le niveau d'infrahumanisation étant significativement plus marqué chez les professionnels hospitaliers. Les résultats soulignent la variabilité de la stigmatisation des troubles schizophréniques en fonction du contexte professionnel et renforcent l'importance de mesurer la stigmatisation à l'aide de mesures non seulement explicites, mais aussi implicite telle que l'infrahumanisation. The aim of this study is dual. On the one hand, it aims to compare two groups of professionals working with individuals with schizophrenia in different settings: psychiatric services and social services, in order to examine the stigma of schizophrenia across various indicators. On the other hand, it also seeks to compare explicit measures of stigmatization with more implicit ones. Explicit indicators of stigma were used, such as the scale of discrimination and social distance, as well as stereotypical traits attributed to these individuals. According to the stereotype content model, individuals or groups can be categorized along two dimensions: warmth and competence. Warmth refers to interpersonal intentions and social or moral qualities, while competence concerns individuals' motivations or abilities to achieve their goals. An indicator of infrahumanization was also employed to measure the implicit stigma of these disorders. The theory of infrahumanization distinguishes between primary and secondary emotions, the latter being specific to humans, and posits that people tend to perceive outgroup members as less human than ingroup members. For example, people attribute fewer specifically human positive or negative emotions to members of certain outgroups compared to ingroup members. We recruited 91 professionals (nurses, physicians/psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists) from two types of facilities: psychiatric services and social services, who were randomly asked to complete an online questionnaire on schizophrenia. We used four scales of stigma measuring discrimination and social distance, stereotypes (warmth and competence), and infrahumanization. Sociodemographic variables as well as social dominance orientation were also tested. Social dominance orientation is a concept that refers to an individual's preference for hierarchy in social relations, where certain groups dominate others, and the belief that such inequalities should be maintained and justified. It leads to the adoption of beliefs that legitimize and perpetuate discrimination against people with schizophrenia. First, the descriptive analyses show an overall score for individuals working with people suffering from mental disorders that indicates that individuals with schizophrenia are moderately stigmatized. The competence and warmth scores attributed are also average and suggest that professionals working with people suffering from mental disorders are moderately agree that users with schizophrenia exhibit traits of warmth and competence. On the other hand, the obtained score reveals slight infrahumanization. In other words, participants, regardless of professional context, attributed more specifically human traits to themselves than to individuals with schizophrenia. Furthermore, a significant effect of the type of facility was found for all four discrimination measures. Firstly, mental health professionals in hospitals discriminate more against individuals with schizophrenia than professionals in social services. Moreover, they attribute significantly less competence, but more warmth to participants working in professional insertion associations. Lastly, the score of infrahumanization was higher among mental health professionals in hospitals, while it was much lower among other professionals. Finally, discrimination measures, warmth, and competence attribution are correlated, whereas infrahumanization is not. Social dominance orientation is also correlated with discrimination and competence but not with infrahumanization and warmth. The various indicators of stigma show that they vary depending on the type of facilities in which professionals working with individuals with schizophrenia operate. The results of this study demonstrate the value of using diverse indicators to measure stigma associated with mental disorders. The subtle measure enabled by infrahumanization opens up new avenues of study in the field of mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the India's rarest kinds of cancer, Male Breast Cancer (MBC) manifests in late presentation, delayed diagnosis, often in the terminal stage, and shock because of a complete unawareness and lack of prior knowledge about the existence of such a disease. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 6 MBC patients of whom 5 patients died within 7–16 months after their respective diagnosis, 9 members of their families, and 5 physicians, this study has revealed that dying with MBC in India is doubly stigmatised as the patients with cancer, which is perceived as a stigma itself, have been diagnosed with an illness of supposed feminine organ, that challenges the masculine identity of the patients. The sense of shame and stigma often results in concealment of the reality from others, and in some instances, the family members also practice complete nondisclosure to the MBC patients themselves to protect them from the sense of 'indignity' associated with a 'woman's disease'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Society & Social Work is the property of Journal of Society and Social Work and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

What insights can postcolonialism and decoloniality offer into workplace accentism? Drawing upon these two strands of literature, this article contributes to workplace research through proposing a view of accentism as an intersectional phenomenon, rooted in the historically sedimented unequal social structure and relations formed during the colonial past. Based on a qualitative study of Brazilians in Portugal, we identify two forms of workplace accentism experienced by the participants: (1) overt accentism – which involves an explicit, direct reference to a person's accent; and (2) accent-activated stigmatisation – which occurs upon the listener's realisation that the speaker is a member of a particular group (specifically, nationality). We theorise the experiences of accentism as contemporary manifestations of the workings of colonial power and prejudices. In addition, we distinguish between four approaches to managing workplace accentism: suppressing, confronting, marginalising and exiting. We theorise these as contemporary expressions of resistance strategies historically used by the colonised in response to colonial power. We also highlight the intersectional differences – along the axes of class, race and gender – with regard to individuals' deployment of each of these approaches. The article enriches our knowledge about how colonial power relations continue to underpin discrimination and its consequences throughout the global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite representing the second-largest immigrant group in Germany, Polish immigrants and their descendants are understudied and have often been described as ‘invisible’ as they have a reputation of ‘becoming German’ quickly and unproblematically. Challenging this notion and considering the prevalence of anti-Eastern European racism in the German context, this study analyses interviews with 22 highly educated Germans of Polish descent, focusing on how interviewees talked about being German and/or Polish and their experiences of stigmatisation and discrimination, in both their childhood and teenage years and as adults. In so doing, the study contributes to the literature on how the ethnic and national identities of white descendants of immigrants are related to experiences of exclusion. Specifically, some interviewees (Type 1) said that they felt only German (and not Polish) and denied experiencing stigmatisation or discrimination in their present lives. Other interviewees (Type 2) embraced a symbolic Polish ethnicity while framing exclusionary experiences as a thing of the past. Type 3 interviewees reported a process of re-ethnicisation, arguably enabled by the absence of exclusionary experiences in their present lives. Finally, there were interviewees (Type 4) who reported embracing their Polish identity, which led to experiences of stigmatisation in certain contexts.

Stigmatising attitudes towards mentally ill people are present among healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to evaluate medical students' attitudes in five medical schools from Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Serbia and to determine if psychiatry clerkship improves these attitudes.

FR. Comment l’intense médiatisation des violences sexistes et sexuelles ayant fait suite au mouvement numérique et transnational #MeToo a participé de la redéfinition du modèle traditionnel de l’excellence journalistique ? En quoi l’attention nouvellement accordée à ces enjeux a-t-elle favorisé l’importation de schèmes d’analyse féministe au sein des rédactions de presse écrite ? Nous suggérons que l’influence de #MeToo sur les mutations de la couverture du sujet s’explique en partie par la conversion symbolique de l’engagement militant de femmes journalistes en compétence professionnelle distinctive. La légitimation conjoncturelle de visions féministes du monde social aurait en outre contribué à la remise en cause d’un certain nombre de pratiques de sélection et d’écriture journalistiques. Un premier temps de cet article sera consacré à l’analyse des motivations et des conséquences du processus de stigmatisation des savoirs et savoir-faire féministes observé au sein des rédactions de presse écrite. Nous chercherons par la suite à comprendre les causes et effets du retournement partiel du stigmate féministe en contexte #MeToo. Seront ici discutés la centralité du rôle joué par quelques femmes journalistes ouvertement militantes, récemment nommées à des postes de responsabilité au sein de leur média respectif, ainsi que les efforts déployés par certains titres investis dans la dénonciation du sexisme pour mettre en scène la fiabilité de leurs publications. Nous interrogerons enfin les ressorts et conséquences de l’intérêt nouvellement porté par des hommes journalistes à des questions jusque-là assignées au genre féminin, sur la (re)définition de la division sexuée du travail journalistique. Cet article s’appuie sur l’analyse de près de 6 000 Unes et articles publiés entre 1980 et 2020 par quatorze journaux distincts. Cinquante entretiens semi-directifs ont par ailleurs été conduits auprès de journalistes et de leurs sources, afin de confronter l’analyse de contenus médiatiques aux représentations du sujet défendues par les principaux intéressés. *** EN. How has the intense media coverage of sexist and sexual violence following the digital and transnational #MeToo movement contributed to the redefinition of the traditional model of journalistic excellence? In what ways has the new attention paid to these issues encouraged the import of feminist frames of analysis into print newsrooms? We suggest that the influence of #MeToo on changes in the coverage of the topic can be explained in part by the symbolic conversion of women journalists' activist commitment into a distinctive professional expertise. The conjunctural legitimization of feminist visions of the social world may also have contributed to the questioning of a number of practices in journalistic selection and writing. The first part of this article analyzes the motivations and consequences of the process of stigmatizing feminist knowledge and practices in print media. We then seek to understand the causes and effects of the partial reversal of feminist stigma in the #MeToo context. Here, we discuss the centrality of the role played by some outspoken activist women journalists, recently appointed to positions of responsibility within their respective media, as well as the efforts made by certain titles committed to denouncing sexism to showcase the reliability of their publications. Finally, we examine the motivations and consequences of the new interest shown by male journalists in issues that had previously been assigned to the female gender, on the (re)definition of the gendered division of journalistic labor. This article is based on an analysis of nearly 6,000 covers and articles published between 1980 and 2020 by fourteen different newspapers. Fifty semi-directive interviews were also conducted with journalists and their sources, in order to compare the analysis of media content with the representations of the topic championed by the principal parties concerned. *** PT. Como a intensa midiatização da violência sexista e sexual, na esteira do movimento digital e transnacional #MeToo, tem contribuído para redefinir o modelo tradicional de excelência jornalística? De que forma a nova atenção dada a essas questões incentivou a importação de padrões de análise feministas nas redações da mídia impressa? Neste artigo, sugere-se que uma das razões para o impacto do movimento #MeToo sobre as mudanças na cobertura do tema seja a conversão simbólica do compromisso ativista das mulheres jornalistas em uma habilidade profissional diferenciada. A legitimação conjuntural de visões feministas do mundo social também pode ter contribuído para que fossem questionadas diversas práticas de seleção e redação jornalísticas. Em um primeiro momento, o artigo foca na análise das motivações e consequências do processo de estigmatização dos saberes e do know-how feministas observados nas redações da mídia impressa. Em seguida, busca-se compreender as causas e os efeitos da reversão parcial do estigma feminista no contexto do #MeToo. Neste artigo, discute-se a centralidade do papel desempenhado por algumas mulheres jornalistas abertamente militantes, que foram recentemente nomeadas para cargos de liderança em suas respectivas mídias, e os esforços de manchetes comprometidas em denunciar o sexismo no intuito de mostrar a confiabilidade das matérias publicadas. Por fim, analisa-se a origem do novo interesse demonstrado por jornalistas homens em questões até então atribuídas ao gênero feminino, e suas consequências na (re)definição da divisão de gênero no trabalho jornalístico. Este artigo baseia-se em uma análise de cerca de 6.000 manchetes e artigos publicados entre 1980 e 2020 em quatorze jornais diferentes. Também foram realizadas 50 entrevistas semiestruturadas com jornalistas e suas fontes, de forma a confrontar a análise dos conteúdos midiáticos com as representações do tema defendidas pelas partes interessadas. *** ES. ¿Cómo ha contribuido la intensa cobertura mediática de las violencias sexistas y sexuales a raíz del movimiento digital y transnacional #MeToo a la redefinición del modelo tradicional de excelencia periodística? ¿Cómo esta atención, prestada por primera vez a estos temas, ha favorecido la importación de patrones de análisis feministas a la prensa escrita? Sugerimos que la influencia de #MeToo en los cambios en la cobertura del tema puede explicarse en parte por la conversión simbólica del compromiso militante de las mujeres periodistas en una habilidad profesional distintiva. La legitimación coyuntural de visiones feministas del mundo social también puede haber contribuido al cuestionamiento de una serie de prácticas periodísticas de selección y redacción. La primera parte de este artículo se dedicará a analizar las motivaciones y consecuencias del proceso de estigmatización de los saberes y conocimientos feministas observado en la prensa escrita. A continuación, trataremos de entender las causas y los efectos de la reversión parcial del estigma feminista en el contexto #MeToo. Se debatirá el papel central desempeñado por varias mujeres periodistas abiertamente militantes, recientemente designadas para ocupar puestos de liderazgo en sus respectivos medios de comunicación, así como los esfuerzos realizados a través de algunos titulares dedicados a la denuncia del sexismo con el objetivo de demostrar la fiabilidad de sus publicaciones. Por último, examinaremos las razones y las consecuencias del nuevo interés mostrado por los hombres periodistas hacia temas hasta ahora asignados al género femenino, en relación a la (re)definición de la división sexual del trabajo periodístico. Este artículo se basa en un análisis de aproximadamente 6000 portadas y artículos publicados entre 1980 y 2020 por catorce periódicos diferentes. También se realizaron cincuenta entrevistas semiestructuradas con periodistas y sus fuentes, con el fin de comparar el análisis de contenidos mediáticos con las representaciones del tema defendidas por las personas principalmente interesadas. ***

Research on social housing stigma has proliferated due to growing concern over the effects of territorial stigmatization. The stereotyping of social housing as a site of ill‐health, criminality, and low human capital stems from empirically ambiguous narratives created and recirculated through popular modes (e.g., social media platforms, news coverage). This paper combines principal component analysis, k‐means cluster analysis, and geographic information systems to create and visualize clusters denoting different levels of health, crime, human capital, and dwelling composition in the city of Toronto, Canada. The quantitative research design allows for the identification of "asymmetries," which are census tracts or neighbourhoods assigned to clusters indicative of high social housing density, and one of either sound health, low crime, or high human capital. The results reveal a spatial patterning of asymmetries in the inner city West End and Downtown, and in inner suburban North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough. Overall, the paper illustrates the need to assess the empirical foundations of social housing stereotypes. Critically assessing stereotypes is important as they belie the rationale for social housing residents' living situations; pathologizes their identity, behaviour, and home; and generates public support for neoliberal solutions that displace long‐term residents from their communities. Key messages: Asymmetries are primarily located in the inner suburbs, and to a lesser degree in the inner city, exhibiting the suburbanization and spatial fix of stigma.Asymmetries are located in neighbourhoods at varying stages of gentrification, highlighting the lack of an empirical basis for redevelopment legitimated by stigma.Spatial statistics and GIS are viable territorial destigmatization tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial literature has developed around the individual determinants of radical political preferences. Widely used to study electoral support for far-right parties, this perspective has rarely been mobilised to understand the dynamics of radicalisation, or the process of going back to the 'roots', among fractions of Western Muslim youth involved in political Islam. To address this, 37 semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2020 and 2021 as part of ongoing ERC Advanced Grant research with young (aged 18–30) self-identifying Muslims of Turkish and Moroccan descent based in the Paris or Lyon areas. Also drawing on the social movements literature, we uncovered two sets of factors influencing radicalisation, each based on two distinct oppositional sets of attitudes: (1) a feeling of estrangement from mainstream societal values, such as morality, secularism, and a perceived assimilationist trend emanating from the French national frame, and (2) a sense of dissatisfaction towards the political-institutional system, which appeared as latent criticisms of the current state of representative democracy, distrust of political and media actors, and discontent towards the current French party system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Synergy (1841-7191) is the property of Editura ASE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drawing on the two theoretical concepts of ‘dual and multiple identity’ and ‘stigmatisation’, this study investigates how 12 Chinese university teacher translators navigate the stigma associated with translating rainbow works or works related to the LGBTQI+ community. The research identified trade-offs and compromises in navigating several different identities as a ‘translator of rainbow works’: namely, the ‘filial son’; the ‘accomplished overseas returnee’; and the ‘well qualified friend’. The analysis reveals crises and dilemmas, exposing significant pressure from stigmatisation across familial, interpersonal, societal, and professional domains. This challenges the assumption of there being a uniform endorsement of the rainbow community by the translators of rainbow works, providing insights for the strengthening of self-identity and promoting the mental health development of translators in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, chronic genetic condition with variable features arising from motile cilia dysfunction, including recurrent respiratory infections, sinonasal disease, reduced hearing, infertility and situs inversus. The aim of the study was to understand the experiences of young people with PCD as they transition into adulthood and adult healthcare services. An interpretative phenomenological analytical method was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participants aged 18–24 years. Four interconnected group experiential themes were identified: (1) reconceptualising a stigmatised identity, (2) sharing the journey to independence, (3) entering adulthood with newfound autonomy, (4) anticipating an uncertain future. Overall, we found that transition for young people with PCD presents as a complex period marked by identity-formation, creating systems of support and becoming an autonomous adult. Facilitation of personalised and integrated approaches to care should be prioritised. Our findings are important to help health professionals provide appropriate, anticipatory support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Basic & Clinical Andrology is the property of BioMed Central and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Depression is reported as one of the most common mental disorders. Research on Indian men’s understandings of depression is limited. Aim: The authors aimed to explore South African Indian men’s understanding of depression in a community, and how this guides help-seeking behaviour. Setting: Community dwelling participants in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was employed and a purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Indian adult men and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The findings of this study yielded a total of six themes. These included understanding of depression, depression is taboo, diverging gender role expectations and depression, help-seeking behaviour, barriers to help-seeking, and mental health community support. Conclusion: The findings suggest a lack of understanding and awareness of depression among participants and discussions around mental illness being regarded as taboo. Gender roles and societal expectations were considered as one of the contributors to depression onset. Coping and help-seeking behaviour included adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms with professional psychological help being least prioritised. Self-stigmatisation and fear of discrimination were highlighted as barriers to help-seeking behaviours. Contribution: This study contributed to the limited body of knowledge on understanding of depression among Indian men in South Africa and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness campaigns and professional help-seeking behaviour.

The study was conducted to determine the indicators of job satisfaction of doctors working in psychiatry departments, to analyse the professional satisfaction of Polish, European and world psychiatrists and to identify ways to improve it. The study identified factors that influence the professional satisfaction of psychiatrists, compared it among psychiatrists in Poland, Europe, and the world, and developed a number of methods to improve this indicator. The results of the study showed that the level of professional satisfaction of psychiatric doctors is influenced by the following factors: salary level, working conditions, team relations, resource support of the work process, stress level, level of emotional burnout, sense of recognition and importance of their own work, work-life balance, and the degree of stigmatization of mental disorders in society. In terms of the number of practising psychiatrists in the country, the availability of psychiatric services and the level of the average annual salary of psychiatrists in Poland, Europe, and the world, the highest rates of professional satisfaction are recorded in the Scandinavian countries and Austria. Poland and Eastern European countries have lower scores, but the gradual increase in funding for psychiatry in Poland is leading to a positive upward trend. Ways in which this increase can be achieved include: increasing the staff of psychiatric units and optimizing administrative work to reduce workload, using cooperation and mentoring programmes to achieve a comfortable team environment, encouraging specialists to participate in training and mentoring programmes to enhance their professional development.

Introduction. The relevance of the research is determined by the necessity to fill knowledge gaps related to understanding the socio-cultural transformations taking place in the student environment due to the extensive development of inclusive technologies in universities. Aim. The present research aimed to identify transformations in the public consciousness of students associated with the period of application of the inclusive approach and to determine the factors that determine them. Methodology and research methods. The study relies on the theoretical and methodological concept of constructing a metasystem “personality – group – society” in the context of an individual assimilating social experience. In determining the empirical basis of the study, the principle of unity and differentiation was applied to identify potential causal relationships between the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and the development of predominant sentiments regarding the resolution of integration issues in society for individuals with disabilities. A comparison of the semantic dominants of the attitudes towards disabled students, who studied in 2008 (at the initial stage of awareness of the need for an inclusive approach) and in 2023 (at a mature stage characterised by many years of experience in ensuring a barrier-free educational environment in universities), allowed the authors to identify a number of fundamental socio-cultural characteristics of modern students for further qualitative research. Results. The research outcomes revealed that there have been no qualitative changes in the public consciousness of modern students regarding people with disabilities, despite the extensive development of inclusion in universities. Additionally, there are still persistent manifestations of stigmatisation of students with health problems. The negative impact of overestimating the effect of administrative factors on the inclusive process, on the one hand, and ignoring the need to support the development of social values in the student’s personality, on the other, was revealed. Scientific novelty. The research contributes to the development of scientific reflection methods in line with the phenomenological approach and clarifies the subject area of studying inclusive processes in universities. Practical significance. The presented materials and conclusions may be of scientific and practical interest to both researchers and organisers of inclusive processes in universities.

Abstract Background Globally, teenage pregnancy is among the most social problems, affecting 21 million adolescents aged 15–19. Due to the increased responsibility of prenatal and postnatal care for their infants without support, pregnant and parenting teenagers, tend to experience mental health problems. Factors contributing to these problems among pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural African settings have hardly received scholarly attention and, therefore, are less understood. The purpose of the study was to explore mental health and challenges among pregnant and parenting teenagers,. Method(s) The study adopted a qualitative descriptive, exploratory, and phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to select 22 pregnant and parenting teenagers 18 years or older. Data were collected in ten selected clinics within the Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) of DIMAMO and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results The findings reveal that pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural areas experience various mental challenges such as depression. These challenges are caused by social problems such as stigmatisation, lack of support from families and friends, as well as parenting demands that contribute to poor progress at school or dropouts. Pregnant teens expressed concerns about the lack of spousal support resulting from abandoning their partners. Conclusions Stress and depression were self-reported as mental problems among participants with various psychosocial implications, such as school dropout and miscarriage. There are various contributing factors to the mental health problems identified among pregnant and parenting teenagers, including inadequate family and spousal support. Access to integrated reproductive, psychosocial, and mental health services could be essential for these pregnant and parenting teenagers, to improve their mental well-being and improve the support system.

Cette étude avait pour objectif d'identifier le contenu du stéréotype de l'enfant ayant un diagnostic de trouble du déficit de l'attention avec/sans hyperactivité (TDAH) chez les psychologues cliniciens spécialisés en neuropsychologie français puis d'identifier les facteurs associés à une représentation stéréotypée du TDAH. Une enquête en ligne a été conduite en France auprès de 88 psychologues cliniciens spécialisés en neuropsychologie travaillant avec des enfants ayant un diagnostic de TDAH. Les stéréotypes ont été identifiés à l'aide d'échelles sémantiques différentielles. En accord avec le modèle du Contenu du Stéréotype, sept stéréotypes de « compétence » et sept stéréotypes de « chaleur » ont été évalués. Les facteurs individuels potentiellement associés aux stéréotypes étaient les suivants : croyances catégorielles et continuum, croyances dans les possibilités de haute qualité de vie, sentiment d'utilité professionnelle et similitudes perçues. Des facteurs sociodémographiques ont également été recueillis. En comparaison avec les enfants neurotypiques, les participants se représentaient les enfants ayant un diagnostic de TDAH comme étant davantage en difficultés pour se concentrer, moins compétents pour maîtriser leurs émotions, plus extravertis, plus irritables, plus insolents, moins compétents pour entretenir des relations amicales, moins compétents scolairement, plus compétents sportivement, plus chaleureux et plus arrogants. Plus les participants se percevaient similaires aux enfants ayant un diagnostic de TDAH et moins ils rapportaient eux-mêmes de stéréotypes. Les psychologues cliniciens spécialisés en neuropsychologie ayant le moins d'années d'expérience, les plus souvent en contact avec les enfants ayant un diagnostic de TDAH et en travaillant en libéral ont rapporté une vision plus stéréotypée du TDAH. Alors même que les psychologues cliniciens spécialisés en neuropsychologie sont des acteurs importants dans l'accompagnement du TDAH, de nombreux stéréotypes se retrouvent dans leur représentation des enfants accompagnés. Ces fausses croyances ainsi que les leviers anti-stigma sont discutés. The aim of this study was to identify the content of the stereotype of a child with a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) among French neuropsychologists, and then to identify the factors associated with a stereotyped representation of ADHD. An online survey was conducted in France among 88 neuropsychologists working with children diagnosed with ADHD. Stereotypes were identified using differential semantic scales. In line with the Stereotype Content model, seven "competence" stereotypes and seven "warmth" stereotypes were assessed. Individual factors potentially associated with stereotyping included categorical and continuum beliefs, beliefs in high quality of life opportunities, feelings of professional usefulness, perceived general similarities and perceived specific similarities. Sociodemographic factors were also collected. Compared with neurotypical children, participants perceived children with an ADHD diagnosis as having more difficulty concentrating, being less competent at controlling their emotions, more extroverted, more irritable, more insolent, less competent at maintaining friendly relationships, less competent academically, more competent at sports, more warm-hearted and more arrogant. The more the participants perceived themselves to be similar to children with a diagnosis of ADHD, the fewer stereotypes they themselves reported. Neuropsychologists with the fewest years of experience, the most frequent contact with children diagnosed with ADHD and working in private practice reported a more stereotyped view of ADHD. Even though neuropsychologists play an important role in supporting children with ADHD, many stereotypes can be found in their representation of the children they work with. These stereotypes are discussed, along with anti-stigma solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notre travail a visé à évaluer l'anxiété, la dépression et le trouble de stress post-traumatique post-maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) et à identifier les facteurs associés. Nous avons mené une étude transversale durant la période allant du 1er mars 2021 au 15 mai 2021 à l'unité COVID-19 du service de pneumologie à l'hôpital Hédi Chaker Sfax (Tunisie). L'évaluation psychométrique a été réalisée à l'aide des échelles « Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale », « Impact of Event Scale-Revised » et « Self-Reported Instrument Measuring COVID-19 Related Stigma ». Notre étude a inclus 154 patients. La prévalence de l'anxiété, la dépression et le trouble de stress post-traumatique étaient de 24,7 %, 11 % et 13,6 % respectivement. Nous avons constaté une association entre la dépression et le sexe féminin (p = 0,025), l'atteinte gastro-intestinale (p = 0,002) et la stigmatisation (p = 0,002). Nous avons trouvé une association entre l'anxiété et le niveau scolaire (p = 0,034), ainsi qu'entre l'anxiété et l'asthénie (p = 0,032). L'anxiété, la dépression et le trouble stress post-traumatique étaient indépendants de la majorité des caractéristiques de la maladie, notamment la sévérité de la COVID-19. Our study aimed to assess anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identify associated factors. Our study is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out during the period from March 1 to May 15th 2021 on patients who were hospitalized and discharged from the COVID-19 unit in the pneumology department at the Hédi Chaker hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). Patients who met all of the following criteria were included: aged 18 and over; having a diagnosis of COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or by CT scan; monitored at the COVID-19 unit and who their clinical conditions did not require intensive care; survivors after 3 months of discharge; and having given their informed and informal consent to participate in the study. Our study included 154 patients. The prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively. We found an association between depression and female gender (P = 0.025), gastrointestinal involvement (P = 0.002) and stigma (P = 0.002). We found an association between anxiety and grade level (P = 0.034), and between anxiety and asthenia (P = 0.032). Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder were independent of the majority of disease characteristics including the severity of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent surveys show that most scientists do not perceive a conflict between science and religion. However, in many Western societies the "conflict narrative" prevails, which states that science grows at the expense of religion, and vice versa. Furthermore, evidence indicates the presence of stigmas against religion in many scientific fields of the West. Why do religious scientists feel discriminated in a field where several of their colleagues are not prejudiced against religion? Based on 22 in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups with Argentinean scientists, we show that the conflict narrative and the stigmatisation of religious scientists are present in the Argentinean scientific field. We argue that the conflict narrative is learned as part of the shared understandings of the field during the socialisation of Argentinian scientists in public institutions, where the secular norm prevails. Religious scientists adapt by strategically hiding their beliefs from their colleagues. This behaviour means that the narrative is not challenged in public, thus generating a feedback loop where the notion that there is a broad consensus about religion in the field reinforces the incentives for the strategic interaction of religious scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, teenage pregnancy is among the most social problems, affecting 21 million adolescents aged 15–19. Due to the increased responsibility of prenatal and postnatal care for their infants without support, pregnant and parenting teenagers, tend to experience mental health problems. Factors contributing to these problems among pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural African settings have hardly received scholarly attention and, therefore, are less understood. The purpose of the study was to explore mental health and challenges among pregnant and parenting teenagers,. Method(s): The study adopted a qualitative descriptive, exploratory, and phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to select 22 pregnant and parenting teenagers 18 years or older. Data were collected in ten selected clinics within the Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) of DIMAMO and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings reveal that pregnant and parenting teenagers in rural areas experience various mental challenges such as depression. These challenges are caused by social problems such as stigmatisation, lack of support from families and friends, as well as parenting demands that contribute to poor progress at school or dropouts. Pregnant teens expressed concerns about the lack of spousal support resulting from abandoning their partners. Conclusions: Stress and depression were self-reported as mental problems among participants with various psychosocial implications, such as school dropout and miscarriage. There are various contributing factors to the mental health problems identified among pregnant and parenting teenagers, including inadequate family and spousal support. Access to integrated reproductive, psychosocial, and mental health services could be essential for these pregnant and parenting teenagers, to improve their mental well-being and improve the support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is stigmatised and associated with adverse health, psychological, and social consequences. This study examined contact influences on the relationship between perspective taking and obesity stereotypes in young adults. The sample comprised 411 Chinese university students (female = 73.97%; mean age = 21.65 years, SD = 2.04). Structural equation modelling was used to test the association between perspective taking and obesity stereotypes via contact intention and contact behaviour. The results indicated a sequential mediation path of perspective taking → contact intention → contact behaviour → obesity stereotypes. Through the sequential mediating roles of contact intention and contact behaviour, perspective taking could not only reduce the negative stereotypes, but also enhance the positive stereotypes. The findings suggest that contact is an important resource for reducing obesity stereotypes with perspective taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le débat sur les pratiques de soins non conventionnelles et leur intégration possible ou non dans les soins conventionnels reste un sujet inépuisable de polémiques et de controverses, particulièrement en France. Dans cet article, nous analysons dix arguments rationalistes sceptiques mobilisés par les opposants à la médecine intégrative. En symétrie des positions parfois caricaturales de ces arguments radicaux, nous utilisons nous-mêmes la satire et la caricature à visée pédagogique dans notre analyse. Nous pointons les stratégies rhétoriques sur lesquelles ces arguments reposent et les contre-arguments qui sont plus ou moins volontairement gardés sous silence. Notre discussion propose une analyse des principaux biais cognitifs mobilisés dans ces arguments en nous appuyant sur les outils de la métacognition. Cependant, notre démarche n'est ni un plaidoyer en faveur des médecines alternatives, ni une attaque contre la médecine conventionnelle, ni une diatribe contre le scepticisme scientifique. Elle est une invitation à une formation symétrique à l'esprit critique et à la métacognition chez les professionnels de santé. La remise en question et la prise de distance, sans relativisme, sont sans doute les meilleurs alliés de la pensée critique. The debate about unconventional healthcare practices and their possible integration into conventional medical care presents an inexhaustible subject of polemics and controversy, particularly in France. In this debate, some prefer to openly deny its complexity in favor of simplistic rhetoric: these are the pro- and anti-unconventional medicine activists. Their radical rhetoric provides an ideal realm of discussion in which to analyze the cognitive shortcuts and other reasoning biases they employ. An initial analysis of the arguments put forth by the antis reveals an asymmetry in the use of the critical thinking they claim: the latter is applied to so-called "pseudo-medicine" and very little to their "rationalist" arguments. In this article, we have chosen to compensate for this shortcoming by providing a critical analysis of the 10 most common "rationalist sceptic" arguments used by opponents of complementary medical practices put forth in the press and media. Given the caricatural nature of certain skeptical positions, we have chosen to use satire and caricature ourselves for didactic purposes. Each of the 10 arguments is presented as follows: 1) a summary of the radical assertion being defended, followed by 2) the partial arguments or rhetorical strategy put forward to justify it, and 3) the counterarguments which are more or less deliberately kept silent. We present a short caricatural summary of this argument: "Breaking news in the field of health care! Wired therapies are attempting to invade real medicine! We, rationalist physicians and defenders of true medicine, are concerned about the development of integrative medicine in France. We are sending this 10-point skeptical rationalist argument to the entire medical community and health professionals in order to put a stop to the development of integrative medicine and protect real medicine from heretics. We challenge every health care professional to take a stand; scientific medicine represents Good, because the Truth is on our side and the evidence guides our steps. If there were any evidence in favor of complementary and integrative medicine, we would be aware of it. In fact, these proponents are nothing more than charlatans whose claims are groundless. Let's be serious and proud to be Cartesian, because our country still stands up to all these would-be crooks. This proposal is based on the values of critical thinking, which aims to fight against misinformation in medicine and more generally in science. We have endeavored, as much as possible, to anticipate the objections that might be raised against our arguments." We then analyze each argument separately. In the last part of our article, we analyze in greater detail the main cognitive biases used in the 10 arguments cited, drawing on the tools of metacognition: confirmation bias, framing bias and overconfidence bias. We discuss the limits of our work, which does not claim to be free of bias and is open to constructive, well-argued criticism. We make it clear that, despite its misleading appearances, our work is in no way a plea for alternative health care practices that challenge conventional medicine, nor is it an attack on conventional medicine, nor a diatribe against scientific skepticism. We argue for symmetrical training in critical thinking and metacognition among health professionals. Questioning and distancing oneself, without relativism, are indeed the best allies in such controversial debates. Uncertainty should be an integral part of the process of scientific knowledge, which is no longer conceivable in the binary and overly simplistic opposition between ignorance and certain knowledge, by overcoming both an acritical positivism and a radical scientific relativism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human trafficking has been described as a crime that involves the recruitment of people and compelling or coercing them to provide labour or services or to engage in commercial sex acts. Men, women, and children of all ages and from all backgrounds have become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The baby factory phenomenon is the latest form of human trafficking and sex slavery in Nigeria. Although relatively new in Nigeria, this latest trend of human trafficking is rapidly flourishing and gradually gaining ground as a big enterprise in different parts of the country. The baby factory practices involve young women who are held captive and forced to produce babies for sale or trafficking. This is obviously a very dangerous trend that requires serious attention because of the physical, mental, and psychological effects of the baby making activities. This paper, therefore, explores the factors responsible for the growth of the clandestine business as depicted in Irene Agunloye's Disposable Womb. The paper adopts the analytical method of data analysis since the data for the analysis are sourced from the play text. The findings reveal that women's desperation and patronage of the baby factories are due to the stigmatisation of childless couples in Nigeria. This desperation has led to an increase in the demand for babies. The derivable financial benefits from the baby harvesting business have also contributed to the growth of the industry, which results in physical, psychological, and sexual violence to the victims. The paper condemns the evil practice and proffers possible solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Drawing on Elias's work on established-outsider figurations, stigmatisation and the civilising process, this study explores the narratives of women, who are mothers of children under the age of 18 years old, in one female prison in England, United Kingdom. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews as well as three focus groups with 26 different women, exploring their experiences of being an imprisoned mother as well as staying in contact with their children from prison. Moreover, we interviewed 15 members of staff. Our findings highlight the stigmatised 'outsider' nature that is ascribed to mothers in prison which is reinforced by the prison environment and figurations between mothers and prison staff. By highlighting the stigmatised and outsider positioning of mothers in prison, this research has significance for practice and policy. Improving support for imprisoned mothers and the development of non-stigmatising, more inclusive, compassionate institutions and compassionate responses are thus required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an analysis of the experiences of 15 men convicted of sexual offences, from England and Wales, who have completed the Horizon treatment programme in the community, facilitated by The Probation Service. We found that whilst men felt initially coerced into the programme, finishing the programme was experienced as a significant loss of support. Beyond the programme, the men described the constraints on their citizenship, difficulty accessing support, and rejection in society due to their offence. We conclude by discussing the limitations of personal rehabilitation, the need for social rehabilitation, including tailored support beyond the programme, the importance of user voice and a 'community integration paradox'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the historical significance and agency of itinerant showpeople, a marginalised and frequently overlooked community, in the late 19th century. Focusing on the French Chambre Syndicale Patronale des Voyageurs Forains (CSPVF) and its journal Le Voyageur Forain, this study sheds light on the struggle of showpeople to safeguard their economic interests, counter societal prejudices, and gain respectability in society. The CSPVF, Europe's first employers' association of this kind, played a pivotal role in supporting itinerant entrepreneurs. By analysing the CSPVF's organisational structure, professional networks, and efforts at integration, the article underscores the socio-economic dynamics of the era and between individuals positioned at the perceived centre and periphery of society. Drawing on union periodicals, the study examines the CSPVF's objectives and internal dynamics, the initiatives aimed at professionalising the itinerant showpeople's trade and its influence on economic policies. Additionally, the research explores the mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion encountered by showpeople within and outside their community and their strategies to combat stigmatisation while seeking respectability. By addressing these themes, the article contributes to a broader understanding of labour history, syndicalism, and the interplay of social identity and economic pressures in the itinerant entertainment industry during the late nineteenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Research on body art as a component of aesthetic labour has predominantly focused on individuals with tattoos in the global north, but little is known about tribal marks as a key element of aesthetic labour that leads to discriminatory or prejudicial attitudes in the workplace. Tribal marks are facial inscriptions that symbolize clan, family, and ethnic affiliation, and serve to distinguish one sociocultural group from another. In this article, we examine the lived experiences of people with tribal marks in Nigeria by developing a theoretical framework based on literatures on aesthetic labour, social stigmatisation, and discrimination. Drawing on the accounts of 42 individuals with tribal marks, we demonstrate how aestheticized work environments, biased assumptions, and negative perceptions about individuals with tribal marks can lead to discriminatory or prejudicial behaviours at work. We further discuss the psychosocial consequences and explain why tribal marks are now perceived to be outdated and damaging to those individuals who have them. We offer a novel perspective on the existing knowledge about aesthetic labour and broaden our understanding of another form of 'lookism' in a non-Western context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health is the property of Canadian Periodical for Community Studies Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue de Psychoéducation is the property of La revue canadienne de psycho-education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Sur le Journalisme, About Journalism, Sobre Jornalismo is the property of Sur le journalisme, About journalism, Sobre jornalismo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mediterranean Journal of Communication / Revista Mediterránea de Comunicación is the property of Revista Mediterranea de Comunicacion / Mediterranean Journal of Communication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper investigates how social workers in Sweden and the United States perceive the impact of social stigma, based on their experiences within a social service job. This is important because when social workers feel stigmatized (defined in this context as describing or regarding something, such as a characteristic or group of people in a way that shows strong disapproval (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)), they can affect clients negatively, i.e. poorer quality of interventions/results. Comparison of feelings of stigmatization among social workers in these distinct cultures enabled us to study how values, social policies and institutions influence stigmatization processes. Focus group data shows significant differences between Sweden and the U.S. regarding: 1) how social workers experience their society‘s view of social work, 2) what society’s view of social work means for social workers’ self-perception, 3) how social workers experience their society‘s views of clients, 4) what society’s view of clients means for social workers’ client work. Differences are mainly due to dissimilarities between the programs and institutions within each system. Findings indicate that promotion of the dignity and worth of people requires social workers to also experience dignity and worth in their professional role.

This paper explains the indignation against and stigmatization of return migrants and travelers when Zimbabwe first recorded cases of COVID-19 in 2020. While xenophobic hatred toward foreign migrants enjoyed much media and scholarly attention, the similar risk faced by the return migrants and travelers among “their own” during the pandemic was largely left on the back burner. The paper uses secondary analysis of information from social media, government reports, media briefings, and public utterances of government officials to provide an explanation for the negative attitudes of locals against migrants at the height of COVID-19. The findings revealed that in times of change and dealing with uncertainty, there is a tendency to redraw boundary lines between in-groups and out-groups with negative consequences for those labeled as the out-group. For some time, the returnees were stigmatized as harbingers of the COVID-19 virus and viewed as troublesome and acting in an unreasonable manner, thus courting the indignation of local Zimbabweans. This paper lends support to the view that pandemics create fear, which results in the rejection and exclusion of ordinary members of the in-group. Perceived resource competition, resource scarcity, anxiety, and fear heightened the stigmatization of return migrants and travelers. To build back better from the negative effects of the pandemic, there is a need to review COVID-19 preventive measures, avoid reckless public pronouncements that stigmatize and stoke hatred for return migrants, and invest in the healthcare system.

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) pandemic has greatly affected Africa, particularly Ghana. The pandemic remains a public health concern, particularly in terms of accessing essential medication and improving quality of life for people living with the disease. Objectives: This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of persons diagnosed and living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy. Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used. The research population included persons diagnosed with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy at three public hospitals in Ghana. Data saturation was achieved after conducting 15 semi-structured interviews. Creswell’s six steps of data analysis were used to analyse the data, which resulted in the emergence of one main theme and six sub-themes. Results: The main theme identified by the researchers highlighted the participants’ diverse experiences of being diagnosed and living with HIV. It was found that the study participants expressed shock, disbelief, surprise, and fear of death after being diagnosed with HIV. The participants also experienced stigmatisation, discrimination, and rejection. Conclusion: There is a need for further research on the extent of discrimination and stigmatisation and the effect on optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Continuous public education on HIV is required to limit the extent of discrimination and stigmatisation. Contribution: The study has highlighted the various emotions related to stigma and discrimination expressed by persons living with HIV (PLHIV). The findings will guide policy on eliminating discrimination and stigmatisation for people living with HIV.

This study explores the barriers to learning that hindered the academic achievement of learners with albinism in inclusive schools in the Masvingo district in Zimbabwe. These include lack of sunscreen lotions, learning equipment, peer inequality, parental involvement, peers' unacceptance, protective clothing, and inclusion in mainstream schools. A qualitative case study approach was employed in this study. Ten participants were purposively selected. All the participants were from four different High Schools in Masvingo District. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The results revealed that Learners With Albinism (LWA) lack sunscreen lotions and adequate learning equipment, peers do not accept them, stigmatisation, and they have unequal feelings. Furthermore, LWA lacked parental involvement, sufficient safety provisions, and sharing of confidential information. The findings also revealed that negative attitudes of teachers, abuses from the community, poor quality family care, and LWA face challenging moments. All the findings mentioned above are barriers that hinder their academic achievements. This study recommends the government supply sunscreen lotions to LWA, provide school learning equipment, and sponsor psychosocial support camps.