Volume 27, Issue 5 pp. 855-865
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Influence of dialysis-related stigma on health-related indicators in Japanese patients undergoing hemodialysis

Hidehiro Sugisawa

Corresponding Author

Hidehiro Sugisawa

Gerontology Program, J. F. Oberlin University Graduate School of International Studies, Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence

Hidehiro Sugisawa, J. F. Oberlin University Graduate School of International Studies, Sendagaya Campus 1-1-12 Sendagaya, Shikuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0051, Japan.

Email: [email protected]

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Yumiko Shimizu

Yumiko Shimizu

The Jikei University School of Nursing, Tokyo, Japan

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Tamaki Kumagai

Tamaki Kumagai

School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan

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Kanji Shishido

Kanji Shishido

Kawasaki Clinic, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan

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Yutaka Koda

Yutaka Koda

Koda Medical and Dialysis Clinic, Niigata, Japan

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Toshio Shinoda

Toshio Shinoda

Advanced Course for Clinical Engineering, Teikyo University Junior College, Tokyo, Japan

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First published: 13 April 2023
Citations: 1

Abstract

Introduction

Focusing on impacts to health-related indicators in older Japanese patients, this study analyzed both the direct influence of dialysis-related stigma and influences of its intersectionality with other stigmatized characteristics.

Methods

Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 7461 outpatients in dialysis facilities. Other stigmatized characteristics include lower income, lower education, disabled activities of daily living, and diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as a cause for starting dialysis treatment.

Results

The average rate of an “agree” response on dialysis-related stigma items was 18.2%. Dialysis-related stigma significantly influenced all three health-related indicators, including suspected depression, informal networks, and compliance with dietary therapy. In addition, each interaction between dialysis-related stigma and educational attainment, gender, and diabetic ESRD significantly influence one health-related indicator.

Conclusion

These results suggest that dialysis-related stigma has both a significant direct and synergic influence with other stigmatized characteristics on health-related indicators.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report in relation to this study.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author

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