https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2019.7832
Experiences of weight-related stigma among low-income rural women of higher weights from the midwestern United States
Submitted: 17 September 2018
Accepted: 18 February 2019
Published: 18 April 2019
Accepted: 18 February 2019
Abstract Views: 1605
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
Weight-related stigma and stereotypes are widespread. Despite established research highlighting the disproportionate disparities rural individuals face, studies focusing on women in rural and low-income environments are underrepresented in the literature. The current study addressed these gaps in the literature using 25 in-depth interviews, which were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological procedures. The research questions were: i) what are low income rural women of higher weights’ understandings and experiences of weight stigma in healthcare? and ii) to what extent do their experiences of stigma affect or do not affect their healthcare-related behaviors? Sixteen women in the study experienced weight-related stigma in healthcare. Many delayed their care while others felt their care was essentially denied. Findings indicate that more can be done to address weight-related stigma.
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Supporting Agencies
Central Michigan UniversityHow to Cite
Hughes, Katherine, Andrea E. Bombak, and Samuel Ankomah. 2019. “Experiences of Weight-Related Stigma Among Low-Income Rural Women of Higher Weights from the Midwestern United States”. Qualitative Research in Medicine and Healthcare 3 (1). https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2019.7832.
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