Social stigma of diabetes in Taiwan: An analysis of public perceptions and disease name unpleasantness.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Social stigma related to diabetes affects self-care and psychological well-being. In Taiwan, negative perceptions of "diabetes mellitus" may contribute to this stigma. This study explores public attitudes toward people with diabetes and the unpleasantness linked to the disease name.

Methods

A household telephone survey in Taiwan was conducted using stratified random sampling. Social distance was measured with the Diabetes Social Distance Scale, and the unpleasantness of disease names was recorded on an 11-point scale.

Results

Among the 982 subjects recruited (mean age 54.3 years), the Taiwanese public showed a high willingness to interact with individuals with diabetes, except in marriage contexts (43.3% expressed reluctance). Compared with a report from Singapor

SUBMITTER: Han DY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12679180 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature