Understanding stillbirth stigma: A scoping literature review

Area of Science:

• Perinatal health
• Sociology of health
• Grief and bereavement studies

Background:

• Global health organizations and literature highlight the need to reduce stillbirth stigma.
• Limited research exists on conceptualizing or understanding stillbirth stigma.
• Previous studies have not adequately explored the experiences of bereaved parents concerning stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of existing literature on stillbirth stigma.
• To explore the extent, types, and experiences of stigma reported by bereaved parents.
• To synthesize current knowledge on stillbirth stigma.

Main Methods:

• A five-stage scoping review framework was applied.
• Searches were conducted across multiple databases (MedLine, EMBASE, PsychInfo, PsychArticles, Ovid Emcare).
• Keywords included 'stillbirth' and 'stigma'; reference lists of included studies were also reviewed.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three resources met the inclusion criteria.
• Thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: type of stigma, identity, silence, experiences in low-income countries, and transformation.
• Common experiences included challenged identities, shame, guilt, and blame, influenced by cultural background.

Conclusions:

• Stillbirth stigma is an under-researched area.
• Few studies conceptualize stillbirth stigma from the bereaved parent's perspective.
• Further research is needed to inform effective stigma reduction strategies.