Evaluating the Stigma related to Type 2 diabetes mellitus among the population in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Department of Public Health, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2026, 11(01), 074-093.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjms.2026.11.1.0023
Publication history:
Received on 04 February 2026; revised on 10 March 2026; accepted on 13 March 2026
Abstract:
This study investigated the prevalence of diabetes stigma among individuals in KSA. The DSAS-2 Scale was used to assess the stigma associated with T2DM. The scale comprises 19 items, indicative of three subscales: Treated Differently (6 items), Blame and Judgment (7 items), and Self-stigma (6 items). A total of 224 participants completed the questionnaire on the DSAS-2 Scale, among whom 71.08% had been diagnosed with diabetes within the past 10 years, while 28.92% had been diagnosed more than 10 years ago. Nearly half of the participants (48.04%) reported having well-controlled blood glucose levels, while 18.63% acknowledged their struggle to maintain their glucose levels. Regarding “blame and judgement” because of T2DM, most participants disagreed, while 21.15% were unsure. However, nearly 16% of participants agreed, and 9.88% strongly agreed with the blame and judgmental behaviour of others. The study provides valuable insights into the stigma related to T2DM among the population in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. By raising awareness, fostering understanding, and implementing targeted interventions, we can work towards reducing stigma and creating supportive environments for individuals with T2DM in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Keywords:
Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Stigma; DSAS-2 Scale; Self-stigma; Blame and Judgment; Treated Differently
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0