Managing Communication Surrounding Tungiasis Stigma In Kenya

Keywords

health communication; Kenya; neglected tropical diseases; stigma; stigma management communication; tungiasis

Abstract

Tungiasis is a neglected parasitic skin disease widespread in resource-poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Stigmatisation of tungiasis sufferers has been identified as a key reason why tungiasis frequently progresses untreated in many parts of the world, however little research has investigated the specifics of tungiasis stigma or the communication strategies sufferers use to manage stigmatization. This article reports results of focus group and in-depth interviews regarding strategies used to manage tungiasis stigma from the perspective of persons living with tungiasis in Murang’a County, Kenya. Most frequently mentioned were withdrawal tactics. Participants also engaged in refutation strategies to deny responsibility for their condition. Implications for stigma management communication theory are discussed.

Publication Date

10-2-2015

Publication Title

Communicatio

Volume

41

Issue

4

Number of Pages

523-542

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2015.1100646

Socpus ID

84950279953 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84950279953

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