Factors that affect Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma(CIAS) in patients with Parkinson's disease

Objectives: This study aimed to examine factors that affect chronic illness anticipated stigma among patient living with Parkinson"s disease. The attributes of stigma measured in this study were labeling, expectation of prejudice, negative stereotyping, and discrimination. Chronic illness anticipated stigma was correlated with measures of mental and physical health as well as certain health behaviors. Methods: The sample included 250 adults with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease that attended D university hospital in B metropolitan city from June to August 2014. Results: The chronic illness anticipated stigma were significantly correlated to depression, anxiety, Schwab & England ADL, Hoehn & Yahr stage, and age. The significant predictors of chronic illness anticipated stigma were anxiety, depression, and age. These factors accounted for 47% of variance in chronic illness anticipated stigma. Conclusions: In order to reduce the chronic illness anticipated stigma, nurse involved in the treatment and care of patients with Parkinson’s disease should encourage patients to attend programs of depression and anxiety management in Parkinson"s disease and systemic education programs on stigma.