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Perceived Stigma of Patients Undergoing Treatment with Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products

Author

Listed:
  • Lucy J. Troup

    (Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Simon Erridge

    (Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
    Sapphire Medical Clinics, London W1G 9PF, UK)

  • Beata Ciesluk

    (Division of Psychology, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Mikael H. Sodergren

    (Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
    Sapphire Medical Clinics, London W1G 9PF, UK)

Abstract

Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are prescribed with increasing frequency. This study aimed to investigate the perceived stigma attached to patients prescribed CBMPs in the UK to establish its prevalence. A qualitative survey was developed by an expert multidisciplinary group and data were collected via Qualtrics. In total, 2319 patients on CBMP therapy were invited to take part in this study. 450 (19.4%) participants completed the questionnaire. In total, 81.3% ( n = 366), 76.9% ( n = 346), and 61.3% ( n = 276) of participants reported feeling very comfortable or comfortable telling friends, family, and medical professionals, respectively, about their treatment. Participants thought that friends ( n = 372; 82.7%) and family ( n = 339; 75.3%) were very approving or somewhat approving of their CBMP prescription. However, participants thought that only 37.8% ( n = 170) of healthcare professionals and 32.9% ( n = 148) of society in general were very approving or somewhat approving of their CBMP prescription. 57.1% ( n = 257), 55.3% ( n = 249), and 40.2% ( n = 181) of participants were afraid of what the police or criminal justice system, other government agencies, and healthcare professionals might think about their treatment. This study highlights those patients treated with CBMPs experience a high prevalence of perceived stigma from many corners of society. Future work should be undertaken to explore strategies to reduce perceived stigma at an individual and community level to avoid discrimination of patients, likely increasing appropriate access.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucy J. Troup & Simon Erridge & Beata Ciesluk & Mikael H. Sodergren, 2022. "Perceived Stigma of Patients Undergoing Treatment with Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-7, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7499-:d:842356
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Christos Ntais & Jean Suvatjis & Yioula Melanthiou, 2023. "Medical Cannabis: Modeling a Destigmatization Process for its Candidacy to Become a Pharmaceutical Brand," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(1), pages 612-633.
    2. Christos Ntais & Jean Suvatjis & Yioula Melanthiou, 2023. "Medical Cannabis Brand Architecture: Establishing its Roots in Pharmaceutical Marketing," International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), vol. 0(1), pages 165-189.

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