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Self-reported stigma and its association with socio-demographic factors and physical disability in people with intellectual disabilities: results from a cross-sectional study in England

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether socio-demographic variables and physical disability (e.g. sensory impairment and mobility problems) were associated with self-reported stigma in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), and to examine whether age, sex and ethnicity modified the relationship between severity of intellectual disability and self-reported stigma.

Methods

229 participants with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities were recruited from 12 centres/sites in England from community intellectual disability services, day centres, supported housing schemes, voluntary organisations and invitation letters. Information on physical disability and socio-demographic variables were obtained using a structured data collection form. Self-reported stigma was measured using a validated questionnaire.

Results

Age was associated with self-reported stigma, with older adults reporting more stigmatising experiences. Participants with moderate intellectual disabilities were more likely to report being treated differently such as being made fun of and being treated like children. Physical disability such as sensory, mobility and speech problems were not associated with self-reported stigma. Gender modified the relationship between severity of ID and self-reported stigma as participants who were male and had moderate ID were more likely to report stigma compared to females with moderate ID. Categorical age also modified the relationship between severity of ID and self-reported stigma as older participants who had moderate ID were more likely to report stigma compared to younger people with moderate ID.

Conclusions

Older adults and those with moderate ID are potentially at higher risk of being targets of public stigma or are more likely to report stigma. Interventions to help individuals cope with stigma could be targeted to this group.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) in the UK as part of a 3 year Clinical Training Fellowship award to Afia Ali. Award reference: G0901946 (ID no: 93676). We would like to acknowledge the support and contribution of the following people: Karen Dodd, Nikkita Osiadacz, Mark Hayward, Sally Skipper, Deborah Hussey, Claudia Watson, Mark Bradley, Hannah Kelly, Susan King, David Trevor, Rachael Mendy, Hannah Antoniades, Katie Finning, Andy Inett, Amy Hammond, Ian Hall, Emmanuel Akuffo, Deirdre O’Brady.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 2nd Floor Charles Bell House, 67-73 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7EY, UK

    Afia Ali, Michael King, Andre Strydom & Angela Hassiotis

Authors
  1. Afia Ali
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  2. Michael King
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  3. Andre Strydom
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  4. Angela Hassiotis
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Correspondence to Afia Ali.

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Ali, A., King, M., Strydom, A. et al. Self-reported stigma and its association with socio-demographic factors and physical disability in people with intellectual disabilities: results from a cross-sectional study in England. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 51, 465–474 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1133-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1133-z

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