From Stigma to Suffering: Stigma, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Healthcare Access in Sickle Cell Disease-A Global Systematic Review.
Pediatr Blood CancerJul 29, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchHematology
Shakshi Dahiya, Jayvardhan Singh, Yadlapalli S Kusuma et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the impact of stigma on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and healthcare access in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Analyzing 53 studies, the review found that stigma significantly correlates with reduced HRQoL and delayed healthcare seeking. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of stigma affecting SCD patients globally.
Key findings
- Stigma was consistently associated with reduced HRQoL across diverse settings.
- Delayed healthcare seeking was linked to stigma experienced by individuals with SCD.
- Four key stigma domains were identified: clinical mistrust, internalized stigma, intersectional marginalization, and structural invisibility.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of stigma on individuals with sickle cell disease is crucial for clinicians, as it affects both psychological well-being and access to necessary healthcare services, ultimately influencing patient outcomes.