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Hepatitis C Stigma and Empowerment Through Positive Speaking in Sydney, Australia
Author(s) -
Cama Elena J.,
Wilson Hannah,
Mackenzie Althea,
Brener Loren
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of community and applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.042
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1099-1298
pISSN - 1052-9284
DOI - 10.1002/casp.2222
Subject(s) - misinformation , stigma (botany) , empowerment , thematic analysis , feeling , psychology , social stigma , social psychology , qualitative research , medicine , psychiatry , sociology , family medicine , political science , social science , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , law
Although the adverse impacts of health‐related stigma are well established, there is growing evidence to suggest that some people reject stigma and become empowered through involvement in education and advocacy. C‐een and Heard ( C & H ) is a positive speaking programme in Sydney, Australia, using educational presentations by people living with hepatitis C to increase understanding of the illness among health and community workers. This study explored C & H speakers' experiences of and responses to stigma, as well as their motivations to participate in the C & H programme. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine C & H positive speakers. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Experiences of discrimination were common especially in healthcare and were linked to misinformation and negative attitudes towards injecting drug use. Although discriminatory experiences were distressing, many participants reacted with anger and challenged their stigmatised identity, ultimately leading participants to take part in positive speaking. Speakers reported feeling empowered by participation in the C & H programme and by the support received from audience members, peers and programme organisers. Findings highlight the potential benefits of positive speaking programmes for people with chronic illness in relation to overcoming stigma and experiencing empowerment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.