Correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have investigated the correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with mental illness (PWMI). Thus far, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesize these results.

AIMS /QUESTION: This review aims to identify the correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of PWMI.

METHOD: We searched four databases including PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies that investigated the association of affiliate sigma with socio-demographic, psychosocial, and disease-related factors.

RESULTS: 22 studies including 3381 participants met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen variables were included for the meta-analysis. For disease-related characteristics, only "disease attribution" and "care time/day" were associated with affiliate stigma. For psychosocial characteristics, "support from others," "burden," "depression," "stress," "distress," and "face concern," were related to affiliate stigma.

DISCUSSION: This review is the first to assess the association of affiliate stigma with other characteristics of interest. However, the findings are limited due to a very small number of studies. Researchers should conduct in-depth study in this area and improve the quality of the literature.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health-focused interventions for family caregivers such as respite care, self-help groups, online support program, psychosocial education can mediate the impact of affiliated stigma. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.