Stigma of Chronic Liver Disease

The stigma of chronic liver disease is commonly seen aimed not only at the person with the disease but also at their families. People who have contracted liver diseases are often labeled in their lifestyle choice by a portion of society. This gives the diagnosis a two-pronged effect for the person with chronic liver disease--they suffer from the medical symptoms and they are shunned socially.

• Bound by stigma

Identification

• Origin of the term

  The word "stigma" originally referred to a visible mark that was used to shame or disgrace a person. This was done with a brand or tattoo that the condemned or ostracized person had to wear. In 1963, sociologist Erving Goffman developed the idea of social stigma. Since then, stigma has been used to identify society's devaluing of a person due to a condition he has that is beyond his control.

Misconceptions

• Stop this way of thinking

  Chronic liver disease has long been associated with a heavy drinker of alcohol.
  Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by many things, such as chemicals, certain medications and genetic diseases that allow a buildup of metals. Unfortunately, when someone is diagnosed with this disease, others may believe it is due to alcohol consumption.

Types

• It can affect anyone

  Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and it is caused by a virus. A,B and C are the three different types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A can be contracted by drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked shellfish. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood and saliva. Because hepatitis B and C are contracted through blood, they carry a stigma of being associated with an IV drug user who shares needles with others.

Effects

• Social isolation

  According the article "Stigma, Hepatitis C and Drug Abuse" on HCV Advocate.org, many people with hepatitis often keep the condition to themselves due to social stigmas. Hepatitis is a disease that is contagious through blood and saliva, but many people carry this too far. The stigma of this disease has some people not wanting to come in contact with someone who is infected. According to the article on HCV Advocate.org, one medical professional refused to provide services to an individual with hepatitis C. This can cause social isolation for the person with the disease.

Effects on Family

• Family isolation

  People with chronic liver disease are often stigmatized as having a certain lifestyle. Hepatitis B and C are spread through blood and body fluids. Hepatitis A can be spread through feces and sewage contamination. Many people do not differentiate between the three hepatitis types. It is not unusual for the stigma of not being clean or not having healthy grooming habits to follow all three of the types. This stigma often carries over to other family members because hepatitis is contagious.