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International Journal of Education & Applied Sciences Research

THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED STIGMA AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AT RAJIV GANDHI GENERAL GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, CHENNAI

Dr.PandabHansda, Shane Sajan J, Mrs. Gayathri Devi. S., Mrs. Divya R. , Ms.PearlinJesla A.

1.Dr.PandabHansda, 2.Shane Sajan J, 3.Mrs. Gayathri Devi. S., 4.Mrs. Divya R. 5.Ms.PearlinJesla A.

1.Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Hindustan College of Arts & Science, Chennai, India,

2.II-MSW, Department of Social Work, Hindustan College of Arts & Science, Chennai, India,

3.Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Hindustan College of Arts & Science, Chennai, India,

4.Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Hindustan College of Arts & Science, Chennai, India,

5.Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Hindustan College of Arts & Science, Chennai, India,

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20570911 Page No : 25-34

Published Online : 2026-06-06

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ABSTRACT

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not just medical conditions; they often come with social and psychological challenges, prominently among them being the stigma associated with these diseases. This study delves into the complex interplay between perceived stigma and self-esteem among individuals living with STDs at Rajeev Gandhi General Government Hospital in Chennai, aiming to illuminate their experiences and provide insights for effective interventions. Using mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture a comprehensive picture. Quantitatively, standardised survey administered to gauge the levels of perceived stigma and self-esteem among patients with STDs. These surveys were designed to assess various dimensions of stigma, including enacted stigma (experiences of discrimination), felt stigma (internalised shame), and anticipated stigma (expectations of rejection). Simultaneously, qualitative interviews delve into participants’ narratives, exploring their experiences with stigma, coping mechanisms, and how these factors influence their self-esteem. Demographic analysis plays a crucial role, allowing for the identification of potential disparities and vulnerabilities across different groups. Factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and type of STD examined to understand how these variables intersect with perceived stigma and self-esteem. By examining these intersections, the study aims to uncover nuanced patterns and variations in stigma perception and coping strategies. The significance of this study extends to healthcare practices, social support initiatives, policy development, and advocacy efforts. Insights gained from understanding the impact of perceived stigma on self-esteem can inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing stigma, improving mental health outcomes, and promoting resilience among individuals living with STDs. Additionally, the study’s findings may contribute to public health campaigns, educational programs, and community initiatives focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering empathy and support for affected individuals.

Keywords: STD, Stigma perception, Self-esteem, Mental health and Coping strategies

REFERENCES

1. Herek, G. M., &Capitanio, J. P. (1993). Public reactions to AIDS in the United States: A second decade of stigma. American Journal of Public Health, 83(4), 574–577. [DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.83.4.574]

2. Berger, B. E., Ferrans, C. E., & Lashley, F. R. (2001). Measuring stigma in people with HIV: Psychometric assessment of the HIV stigma scale. Research in Nursing & Health, 24(6), 518–529. [DOI: 10.1002/nur.10011]

3. Earnshaw, V. A., Smith, L. R., Chaudoir, S. R., Amico, K. R., & Copenhaver, M. M. (2013). HIV stigma mechanisms and well-being among PLWH: A test of the HIV stigma framework. AIDS and Behavior, 17(5), 1785–1795. [DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0437-9]

4. Quinn, T. C., Overbaugh, J., &Mwatha, A. (2002). Viral load and heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(13), 921–929. [DOI: 10.1056/NEJM200003303421303]

5. Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company. [ISBN: 978-0826141910]

6. Major, B.,& O'Brien, L. T. (2005). The social psychology of stigma. Annual Review of Psychology, 56, 393–421. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev.psych.56.091103.070137]

7. Bowleg, L. (2012). The problem with the phrase women and minorities: Intersectionality—an important theoretical framework for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 102(7), 1267–1273. [DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300750]

8. Logie, C. H., Newman, P. A., Weaver, J., Roungkraphon, S., Tepjan , S., &MacKenzie, L. J. (2011). HIV-related stigma and HIV prevention uptake among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 25(11), 719–731. [DOI: 10.1089/apc.2011.0151]

9. Campbell, C., Cornish, F., &Skovdal, M. (2018). Local pain, global prescriptions? Using scale to analyse the globalisation of the HIV/AIDS response. Health & Place, 50, 104–113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.12.003]

10. Van Brakel, W. H. (2006). Measuring health-related stigma—a literature review. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 11(3), 307–334. [DOI: 10.1080/13548500600595160]

Cite this Article as: PandabHansda, Shane Sajan J, Gayathri Devi. S., Divya R. and PearlinJesla A. (2026), “the impact of perceived stigma and self-esteem among individuals living with sexually transmitted diseases at Rajiv Gandhi General Government Hospital, Chennai”, International Journal of Education & Applied Sciences Research, Volume 13, Issue 1, 2026, pp 25-34 DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20570911

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REFERENCES

1. Herek, G. M., &Capitanio, J. P. (1993). Public reactions to AIDS in the United States: A second decade of stigma. American Journal of Public Health, 83(4), 574–577. [DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.83.4.574]

2. Berger, B. E., Ferrans, C. E., & Lashley, F. R. (2001). Measuring stigma in people with HIV: Psychometric assessment of the HIV stigma scale. Research in Nursing & Health, 24(6), 518–529. [DOI: 10.1002/nur.10011]

3. Earnshaw, V. A., Smith, L. R., Chaudoir, S. R., Amico, K. R., & Copenhaver, M. M. (2013). HIV stigma mechanisms and well-being among PLWH: A test of the HIV stigma framework. AIDS and Behavior, 17(5), 1785–1795. [DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0437-9]

4. Quinn, T. C., Overbaugh, J., &Mwatha, A. (2002). Viral load and heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(13), 921–929. [DOI: 10.1056/NEJM200003303421303]

5. Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company. [ISBN: 978-0826141910]

6. Major, B.,& O'Brien, L. T. (2005). The social psychology of stigma. Annual Review of Psychology, 56, 393–421. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev.psych.56.091103.070137]

7. Bowleg, L. (2012). The problem with the phrase women and minorities: Intersectionality—an important theoretical framework for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 102(7), 1267–1273. [DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300750]

8. Logie, C. H., Newman, P. A., Weaver, J., Roungkraphon, S., Tepjan , S., &MacKenzie, L. J. (2011). HIV-related stigma and HIV prevention uptake among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 25(11), 719–731. [DOI: 10.1089/apc.2011.0151]

9. Campbell, C., Cornish, F., &Skovdal, M. (2018). Local pain, global prescriptions? Using scale to analyse the globalisation of the HIV/AIDS response. Health & Place, 50, 104–113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.12.003]

10. Van Brakel, W. H. (2006). Measuring health-related stigma—a literature review. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 11(3), 307–334. [DOI: 10.1080/13548500600595160]

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