Current Applications of Stigma-Conscious Interventions for Healthcare

Stigma is a considerable barrier to accessing healthcare services for stigmatized communities. Digital health technologies support interventions that either aim at reducing stigma (or its perception), or alternatively, providing healthcare in a stigma-accommodating manner. Studies report mixed results, with positive evidence that stigma-reducing interventions have an impact, but the few large-scale studies show weaker effects. The growing field of digital health presents an opportunity for novel stigma-reduction methodologies at scale, as well as to implement novel methods to circumvent stigma-related barriers, improving direct access to healthcare services. We review the barriers to healthcare as a consequence of stigma; examine a sample of recent interventions; and propose future work to enhance healthcare access.