Stigma perceived by men on hemodialysis

Objective: To analyze the experience of stigma in narratives about the chronic illness of men on hemodialysis. Method: Qualitative study conducted with 24 men in a Hemodialysis Unit in a city located in the Northeast region of Brazil. Data were extracted with in-depth individual interviews, which were analyzed according to the Discourse of the Collective Subject and interpreted under the light of stigma theory. Results: The narratives indicate the marks of the disease, when men are placed at odds with their own bodies and perceive themselves as different. The results show components of stigma such as discredit, loss of status, estrangement and labeling. The men also perceive the consequences of stigmatization, adopt selfpreservation measures and emphasize the importance of the care received from nurses to face this reality. Conclusion: Stigma creates barriers to socialization, access to health and social security and affects body image, adaptation and coping with chronic illness.