DAWN workshop on stigma at Novo Nordisk MediaPrize 2009
The findings of stigma in the DAWN study were presented at the DAWN workshop during the international Novo Nordisk Media Prize in Vienna, September 2009. Present at the media workshop in Vienna were 50 journalists involved in the medical media community. During the workshop the journalists discussed diabetes misbelieves and stigma in their country and shared success stories and ideas for how media can play a role in overcoming stigma and social isolation in people with diabetes in their country.
Diabetes misbelieves and stigma issues
In Algeria the issues of social stigma is concerning an impression of people with diabetes are lazy people. Also in terms of marriage some worry if the person will be able to get healthy children. The problem should be solved by showing examples of people with diabetes who do well.
In France/Tunisia diabetes is perceived as a handicap/taboo, the person with diabetes is treated differently. The media has an important role to play of creating awareness. An example could be to show that injections are simple especially with a pen and inform that insulin can save ones life and prevent complications.
In China some young people do not want to tell they have diabetes. They feel embarrassed and ashamed due to a lack of awareness about diabetes. There is also a stigma attached to diet – people with diabetes has to eat healthy otherwise people judge them.
In Germany some physicians use insulin as a threat “if the patient does not do well”. There is a negative perception in the public of people with Type 2 diabetes such as: “It is your own fault”. Prevention of Type 2 is similar to a lot of other diseases, so we should try to prevent them together.
In Saudi Arabia people are judging and expecting people with diabetes to live a “healthy” lifestyle: healthier than others in terms of drinking, partying etc.
Please read the full list of stigma issues discussed at the workshop here
