Health-Related Stigma in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) often exhibit poor treatment adherence and suboptimal glucose control. Health-related stigma may adversely influence diabetes self-management behavior. The aim of the current study was to explore health-related stigma among young adults with T1DM using qualitative descriptive methods in focus groups. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 14 young adults ages 20 to 34 with T1DM. Using content analysis, transcripts from two focus groups were analyzed, and five main themes were identified: (a) Desire to be Seen as a Person, Not a Disease; (b) Wanting to be "Normal"; (c) Feeling Ashamed Managing Diabetes in Public; (d) Struggling to Overcome Anger and Distress; and (e) Feeling Distrusted by Others to Manage Their Condition. Young adults with T1DM reported experiencing a high degree of stigma in their daily lives, which negatively influenced their self-management and psychological well-being. Stigma led to delaying blood glucose monitoring and insulin dosing and feelings of anger and distress. Young adults with T1DM require strategies to help cope with stigma and the anger and distress they experience. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(10), 44-51.].