Hong Kong Med J 2009;15(Suppl 8):S34-7
A comparative study of the stigma associated with infectious diseases (SARS, AIDS, TB)
WWS Mak, F Cheung, J Woo, D Lee, P Li, KS Chan, CM Tam
Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
1. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to elucidate the psychosocial processes operating in SARS, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
2. The impact of stigma was examined from three perspectives: (1) the general public (public stigma), (2) target individuals afflicted with stigma (self-stigma), and (3) affiliates of the target individuals (affiliate stigma).
3. Three dimensions of stigma were assessed: (1) cognition (stereotypes and beliefs about the target), (2) affect (prejudicial attitudes and feelings toward the target), and (3) behaviour (discrimination toward the target).
2. The impact of stigma was examined from three perspectives: (1) the general public (public stigma), (2) target individuals afflicted with stigma (self-stigma), and (3) affiliates of the target individuals (affiliate stigma).
3. Three dimensions of stigma were assessed: (1) cognition (stereotypes and beliefs about the target), (2) affect (prejudicial attitudes and feelings toward the target), and (3) behaviour (discrimination toward the target).