One in 10 adults with a chronic health condition believe their illness has been a factor in them being dumped – a behaviour described as “discrimidating”.
A poll of 500 adults with a medical condition, like type 2 diabetes, found 16 per cent also feel it’s led to a partner mistreating them or exhibiting discriminatory behaviour.
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And 13 per cent think they’ve been turned down for a date due to a health condition.
As a result, 58 per cent of those polled who’ve used dating apps users are “unlikely” to disclose their health status on their profiles.
With 26 per cent of those who feel this way worried about being stigmatised and 25 per cent wanting to avoid discrimination.
Commissioned by Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre, makers of continuous glucose sensing technology, ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14th, the research found 47 per cent also avoid mentioning their condition on social media.
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With 79 per cent of those who do so, explaining they think it’s no one else’s business (79 per cent).
Others claim they don’t want it to define them (37 per cent) or fear being stigmatised (17 per cent).
Neil Harris, divisional vice president of West Europe for Abbott’s diabetes care business, said: “Unfortunately, diabetes bias and prejudice are common in our society.
“By calling out “discrimidating” – the act of rejecting someone for something they can’t help – we hope to make it easier for people to discuss medical conditions, raise awareness, and erase stigmatising behaviour.”
Behaviours those polled have been on the receiving end of from partners include patronising attitudes (11 per cent) and minimising the experience of their condition (10 per cent).
While nine per cent have endured controlling behaviour due to their condition (nine per cent).
A further 1,000 adults without a chronic illness also participated in the study.
And of the total 1,500 respondents – those without a chronic illness and those with a medical condition – one in 10 haven’t pursued a relationship with someone who has an ongoing condition.
While 19 per cent know someone who has done this.
Almost three in 10 (28 per cent) also believe it’s unlikely people would choose to start a partnership with someone they know or perceive to have a health condition.
And third of those polled by Abbott via OnePoll.com even agreed those with chronic illnesses are less attractive as a romantic or sexual partner.
What is a chronic health condition?
A chronic health condition is a disease or condition that lasts for at least three months and usually requires ongoing medical care.
Common chronic conditions include cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and HIV/AIDS.
Many are preventable and can be caused by behaviours like smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
They can limit daily activities and are leading causes of death worldwide.
But they can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, increased physical activity, or relaxation techniques.
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