Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Dec 2, 2024
Date Accepted: Apr 8, 2025
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Psychological Intervention for Internalized Health-Related Stigma Among Adults with Chronic Health Conditions: A Preliminary Investigation
ABSTRACT
Background:
Health-related stigma is widely acknowledged as a threat to public health and a barrier to managing chronic health conditions. Internalized stigma is a particularly strong predictor of poor health outcomes across health conditions, yet few evidence-based interventions are available. Recent work has highlighted the need for research that breaks down traditional silos by using cross-cutting approaches to understand and reduce stigma.
Objective:
To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a new psychological intervention designed to reduce internalized health-related stigma among adults with different stigmatized chronic health conditions.
Methods:
A group intervention that was initially designed to address internalized weight stigma was adapted to be generalizable to other forms of internalized health-related stigma. This was done with input from Advisory Board members living with different stigmatized chronic health conditions and health professionals who specialized in these conditions. Adults with obesity, diabetes, HIV, skin diseases, chronic pain, and/or cancers were recruited to attend 12 weekly online group meetings. The average session attendance rate was computed with and without makeup sessions. Pre- and post-treatment questionnaires were completed, including a treatment acceptability questionnaire. Data collection occurred from December 2023-April 2024.
Results:
Ten adults were recruited within approximately 6 weeks, of which eight attended at least one treatment session and completed post-treatment questionnaires. The average session attendance rate was 95.8% with makeup sessions (83.3% without). Treatment acceptability ratings were high, with an overall acceptability rating of approximately 6.5 out of 7.
Conclusions:
Results showed high feasibility and acceptability of an transdiagnostic, online group psychological intervention for internalized health-related stigma delivered to adults with different types of stigmatized chronic health conditions. Given the small sample size and limited generalizability, testing in a large efficacy trial is needed to determine intervention benefits. Clinical Trial: This study was preregistered on Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/fgh92/?view_only=23398d56961242218b582cf62ee8a169
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Copyright
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