Living With Stigma and Low Self-esteem Among Individuals With Burn Injuries: A Cross-sectional Study.

This article focuses on the relationship between stigma and self-esteem among burn survivors in Guangzhou, China, based on a cross-sectional study of 146 patients using the Social Impact Scale (SIS) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES). The study found that burn patients experience moderate levels of stigma—particularly social rejection—and significantly lower self-esteem compared to the general population, with a moderate positive correlation between stigma and low self-esteem. Independent factors influencing stigma included place of residence, presence of itching, and self-esteem scores, collectively explaining 38.5% of stigma variance. The findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to address psychological as well as physical aspects of burn recovery through interventions aimed at reducing stigma and improving self-esteem to facilitate social reintegration.