Iowa Investigator - Dr. Kathleen C. Buckwalter - The University of Iowa College of Nursing

Iowa Investigator - Dr. Kathleen C. Buckwalter

What is the focus of your research?

The focus of my most recent research is perceived stigma and its relationship to a variety of outcomes in persons with Alzheimer’s Disease (PwAD). This exploratory (R03) multisite (rural Iowa/urban Chicago) study addresses three primary, and two secondary, aims:

1) Describe the ‘natural history’ of perceived stigma in PwAD following the disease diagnosis (within 6 months) over the early disease stages (18 months).

2) Describe the relationships among perceived stigma in PwAD and QOL outcomes (depression, behavioral symptoms, personal control, physical health, self-esteem, social support and activity) over the early disease stages (18 months following entry into the study).
3) Describe the relationships among the family caregiver’s perceived stigma and QOL outcomes in PwAD over the early disease stages (18 months following entry into the study).
4) Identify the relationships among personal (mental status, gender, living situation, caregiver knowledge of AD), environmental (rural/urban) and ethnic background variables on perceived stigma in PwAD and their primary caregiver.
5) Using open-ended interviews, qualitatively describe the manifestations of stigma as perceived by PwAD.

What led to the development of interest in this topic?

I have been interested in the concept of stigma since the mid-1970’s first in relation to mental illness. As a doctoral student, my cognate area was social psychology and I took coursework in “deviance” associated with illness. My longtime friend, colleague and collaborator (PI Sandra Burgener), also has a longstanding interest in the topic.

What impact do you predict coming from this research?

This small-scale study is expected to serve as the foundation for larger multisite studies. A clear understanding of quality of life (QOL) in PwAD is critical to improved health and wellbeing outcomes and total costs of care. The person with a stigmatizing condition is often “labeled,” with that negative social meaning linked to the stigmatized person and becoming internalized. Consequences include low self-esteem, low social support and network ties, altered family dynamics, low emotional wellbeing, and high vulnerability to illness.

How does the research integrate into education/practice/service?

Two PhD students, Megan Liu and Rebecca Riley, are using the data set for their dissertation research.

Iowa Investigator Archives

October 16, 2008