title: Perceived stigma, strain, and mental health among caregivers of veterans with traumatic brain injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Family caregivers of individuals with stigmatized conditions can experience stigma-by-association and discrimination. Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may elicit a stigma response if there are visible physical or neurobehavioral effects of the injury. Stigma is a considerable source of stress and may contribute to caregiver strain and stress-related mental health outcomes. We measured the frequency of perceived stigma and discrimination among caregivers of veterans with TBI and examined whether perceived stigma and discrimination are associated with caregiver strain, social isolation, depression, and anxiety.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy caregivers of veterans with TBI completed a mailed survey that assessed perceptions of discrimination toward themselves or their care recipient, stigma associated with caregiving, and whether they felt the need to cover up or provide an explanation for their care recipient's injury. Caregiver strain, social isolation, depression, and anxiety were also assessed via the questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used to test the associations between stigma and discrimination measures and outcomes, controlling for potential confounders and other caregiver or care recipient characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both perceptions of caregiver discrimination and stigma associated with caregiving were significantly associated with caregiver strain, social isolation, depression, and anxiety. Perceived discrimination against the individual with TBI was associated with caregiver strain and social isolation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that perceived discrimination and stigma experienced by caregivers of individuals with TBI are stressors that may lead to poor caregiver mental health outcomes. In order to promote both caregiver and care recipient health, we suggest that mental health support services consider these important stressors.
authors: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA. phel0085@umn.edu
authors: Sean M
authors: SM
authors: Phelan
authors: Joan M
authors: JM
authors: Griffin
authors: Wendy L
authors: WL
authors: Hellerstedt
authors: Nina A
authors: NA
authors: Sayer
authors: Agnes C
authors: AC
authors: Jensen
authors: Diana J
authors: DJ
authors: Burgess
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: van Ryn
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D012934:Social Isolation; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans