Structural Stigma, Affiliated Stigma and Consequences of Caregiving for the Family Members of Inpatients with Dementia: A Comparative Approach
Structural Stigma, Affiliated Stigma and Consequences of Caregiving for the Family Members of Inpatients with Dementia: A Comparative Approach

Summary/Abstract: Stigma has been identified as one of the major causes for delayed help-seeking in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, the family members of the psychiatric patients are also affected by the negative image of the disease at societal level, phenomenon referred to as courtesy or affiliated stigma. Affiliated stigma is acquired through having a relationship with a stigmatized individual and it refers to a set of negative believes and affects which may lead to withdrawal from interpersonal relationships. Another adverse consequence of the psychiatric disorders for relative is encompassed in the concept of family or caregiver burden. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions and experiences of stigma (associated stigma and structural stigma) as well as the burden of care among the relatives of persons with mental disorders who were admitted in a psychiatric hospital in Bucharest and to compare between relatives of patients with dementia versus other mental health disorders. In terms of structural stigma 43.7% consider that the existing services are not adequate for the needs of the patient. In conclusion affiliated stigma rates are similar to the ones experienced in other European countries but the burden of care, especially in the areas of tension and supervision is higher. The lack of services can contribute to this situation as the perception of the family members is that the current system provides inadequate care for their family members. Further research in the area is needed in order to better understand the needs of family members.

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