Influence of dialysis-related stigma on health-related indicators in Japanese patients undergoing hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Focusing on impacts to health-related indicators in older Japanese patients, this study analyzed both the direct influence of dialysis-related stigma and influences of its intersectionality with other stigmatized characteristics.

METHODS: Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 7461 outpatients in dialysis facilities. Other stigmatized characteristics include lower income, lower education, disabled activities of daily living, and diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as a cause for starting dialysis treatment.

RESULTS: The average rate of an "agree" response on dialysis-related stigma items was 18.2%. Dialysis-related stigma significantly influenced all three health-related indicators, including suspected depression, informal networks, and compliance with dietary therapy. In addition, each interaction between dialysis-related stigma and educational attainment, gender, and diabetic ESRD significantly influence one health-related indicator.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that dialysis-related stigma has both a significant direct and synergic influence with other stigmatized characteristics on health-related indicators.