Stigma experienced by adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.

AIM: To identify and synthesize qualitative evidence on the stigma experiences of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Six databases were searched from inception to February 2024: PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO. This meta-synthesis followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Findings from the included qualitative studies were synthesized using Thomas and Harden's methodology.

RESULTS

About 17 studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Two synthesized findings emerged, including living in stigma (individual perceived and internalized stigma, stigma in interpersonal interactions, implicit stigma in the social structure) and coping with stigma (active stigma coping and escape-avoidance).

CONCLUSION

This review is the first meta-synthesis specifically aimed at exploring the stigma experiences among adolescents with type 1 diabetes across individual, interpersonal, and structural levels. The multisourced stigma identified in this review is instrumental in the development of culturally informed and multitiered anti-stigma interventions for this population. It is imperative to enhance adolescents' coping abilities regarding stigma, as is the creation of a stigma-free environment for them.