Stigmatization of patients with neurocognitive disorder

Abstract

Objectives. The scientific literature in the field of stigmatization is deficient, especially when we address a special category of population, such as that of patients with neurocognitive disorder. Starting with the hypothesis that patients with neurocognitive disorder are stigmatized in the Romanian society, we aimed to validate or infirm this hypothesis. Materials and method. We used a stigma and self-stigma highlighting questionnaire distributed both online (using the mediatic channels) and in physical format, on paper, distributed by doctors and medical staff, addressed to people with a diagnosis of neurocognitive disorder or their relatives from Mureş County. The respondent group was divided according to demographic characteristics in order to highlight the attitude and stigmatization of the patient with neurocognitive disorder. Two questionnaires were distributed, one for patients and one for relatives, the one for patients also including specific questions for self-stigma. Correlations were made with the social, financial and professional status of the respondents, the statistical analysis using the SPSS program. Results. The results identified both areas in which patients and relatives noticed stigma and their qualitative descriptions, but also the factors that contribute to the stigma and self-stigma of the patient with neurocognitive disorder. The hypothesis was validated. The identification of level of stigma and self-stigma in patients with neurocognitive disorders from this region is important because it is well known that it contributes significantly to the decrease in the quality of life of these people. Conclusions. The present study identifies the factors that require intervention from society, both through educational measures and through other measures of social nature.