Illustrating stories of stigma from the perspective of people living with diabetes while experiencing homelessness: An arts-based community participatory research project

Aims

Our objective was to explore the stigma experienced by people with lived experiences of both diabetes and homelessness.

Methods

This community-based participatory research (CBPR) project was underpinned by a partnership between academic researchers and those with lived experience (co-researchers). We used two arts-based research methods, Forum Theatre and Participatory Filmmaking, and collected field notes, interviews with co-researchers, and the narrative scripts from the play and film. Interpretative analysis was used to generate broader themes.

Results

We identified three themes describing the experience of diabetes stigma while experiencing homelessness, including: (i) limited knowledge of diabetes in the broader community, (ii) the lack of privacy in the shelter environment, and (iii) substance use stereotypes associated with homelessness. Experiences of diabetes and homelessness stigma consisted of instances characterised by judgement, unfair treatment, and skepticism imparted by others. The experience of diabetes stigma was heightened in the context of homelessness, creating situations exacerbated by the judgement and blame passed onto those with diabetes in the shelter.

Conclusion

Diabetes stigma has a profound mental and emotional impact on individuals experiencing homelessness, often impacting their ability to manage their condition. Future research is needed to explore these intersections in different contexts and develop comprehensive strategies that may mitigate stigma and improve the well-being of individuals with diabetes experiencing homelessness.