ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the meaning, impact, and management of health-related stigmas, drawing heavily from the work of Erving Goffman and the modified labeling theory perspective. It addresses stigma arising from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STIs), hepatitis B and C, leprosy, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The health conditions examined in the chapter include diseases, infections, and syndromes. The chapter then focuses on physical health disorders. Being stigmatized has severe negative impact on social and emotional well-being, including diminished self-esteem, escalations in depression and anxiety, alcohol use, and feelings of hostility and anger, especially when chronic health conditions become a dominant aspect in one's life. STIs are transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. They are frequently asymptomatic and can range in level of severity. Celiac disease is a chronic, noninfectious autoimmune disease with symptoms of diarrhea, loose stool, and bloating in response to the ingestion of gluten.
