The effect of social alienation on stigma among in-patients with stroke: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Backgroud Stigma adversely affects the rehabilitation among in-patients with stroke, which decreases the motivation and functional improvement during rehabilitation in patients with stroke. The study aims to investigate the influencing factors of stigma. Methods The study design is a cross-sectional survey. A total of 220 in-patients with stroke completed demographic information, the generalized social alienation scale, and the stroke stigma scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of the diverse factors on stigma. Results The findings indicate that there were moderate scores on stigma among in-patients with stroke. Age( B =−2.105, P < 0.001), level of education[Junior high school( B = 1.545, P = 0.040), senior high school or technical secondary school( B = 3.480, P < 0.001), Undergraduate or junior college( B = 3.716, P < 0.001), and graduate( B = 5.483, P < 0.001)] and social alienation( B = 0.158, P < 0.001) were all significantly associated with stigma in patients with stroke. Conclusions To address stigma among in-patients with stroke, efforts should be directed towards reducing social alienation among younger patients and those with higher levels of education.