Hepatitis B Virus Infection-Related Stigma
摘要
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem which is targeted for eradication. The public health challenges presented by this disease are enormous since it impacts on the health and well-being of people living with the disease and their families. Stigma and discrimination have worsened the experiences of people living with HBV infection, as these processes create a loss of self-esteem, social rejection, exclusion, and great disparities and inequities in health. Stigma poses a great barrier to healthcare and health seeking among people living with the disease and negatively affects their overall quality of life and general health. Therefore, HBV-related stigma reduction strategies are needed to mitigate or significantly reduce the negative effects of the phenomenon. Recommendations and guidelines to drive HBV infection-related stigma need to focus on reducing self-stigma, social stigma, and structural stigma.