Managing communication surrounding tungiasis stigma in Kenya
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Date
2015-12-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge Taylor & Francis
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected parasitic skin disease widespread in resourcepoor
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.
Description
Keywords
Health communication, Kenya, Neglected tropical diseases, Stigma, Stigma management communication, Tungiasis
Citation
Stephen Kimotho, Ann Neville Miller & Peter Ngure (2015) Managing communication surrounding tungiasis stigma in Kenya, Communicatio, 41:4, 523-542, DOI: 10.1080/02500167.2015.1100646