Stigma, Not Condition, Is the Biggest Barrier for 1 in 3 People Living With Chronic Conditions, According to New Convatec Research
Key findings
- Chronic conditions are widespread yet remain invisible : 1 in 3 people live with a chronic physical condition, yet most (84%) of these conditions are not visible to others
- Awareness is uneven: While 91% of the public are familiar with cancer, only 49% know “at least a little” about ostomy or continence conditions, despite their widespread impact
- Masking is common : 59% of people with chronic conditions downplay their health issues to avoid making other people feel uncomfortable
- Self-advocacy is crucial: 43% of people with chronic conditions report needing to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings because their condition is misunderstood or minimised
The comprehensive study, conducted across five countries with large, diverse populations, surveyed over 10,000 adults including 3,400 individuals living with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and incontinence – conditions that collectively account for six of the ten leading causes of death globally.
The findings reveal widespread social stigma tied to chronic conditions, which has significant implications for employers, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and policymakers. Convatec’s research shows that public misconceptions about chronic conditions may be driving workplace discrimination and inadequate support systems.
Misconceptions about lived experiences are pervasive
The research uncovers a culture of masking symptoms, where people with chronic conditions routinely downplay the challenges of managing their condition to avoid making other people feel uncomfortable. Affecting 59% of those surveyed, this phenomenon is both widespread and deeply damaging, contributing to isolation, misunderstanding, and inadequate support in workplaces, healthcare settings, and communities more broadly.
The research reveals that public perceptions consistently misrepresent the lived experience of chronic conditions. While 82% of the public believe chronic conditions severely limit a person's ability to work, only 41% of those affected say their health has limited their employment opportunities. Similarly, 67% of the public think chronic conditions damage relationships, yet just 34% of people living with chronic conditions report this as their experience. Society tends to overestimate limitations while underestimating both the prevalence and the resilience of those affected.
Emotional impact is often overlooked
Perhaps most concerning is the emotional toll living with a chronic condition takes. More than half of survey respondents felt depressed or overwhelmed at diagnosis, and 40% continue to feel misunderstood even after adapting to their condition. The challenge extends far beyond medical management: 70% say the average person does not understand what it is like to live with a chronic condition, while 43% report having to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings because their condition is misunderstood or overlooked.
“Chronic conditions are a global reality, yet many keep their struggles hidden. Our findings show the urgent need for genuine understanding and practical support required. I’m proud that, through Convatec’s me+ programme – now entering its tenth year,
A spokesperson at Colostomy
“Convatec’s report shines a light on the importance of awareness, understanding, and peer support for people living with a stoma. At Colostomy
Calling for greater understanding and support
Perspectives on living with chronic conditions is a powerful call to action for healthcare leaders, policy makers and employees to acknowledge the widespread but often overlooked impact of chronic conditions. With 74% of affected people hoping for greater public awareness,
As part of its commitment to improving the quality of life for people living with stomas and continence needs,
*Colostomy
About the research
Perspectives on living with chronic conditions is available for download here.
Notes to editors:
- High-resolution images and interview opportunities available upon request
- Regional data breakdowns available in appendix
- Patient case studies available (with consent)
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Appendix: Regional data breakdown
- Chronic condition prevalence & impact: 41% of US adults report living with a physical chronic health condition, and 50% say a close friend or relative is affected.
- Work & financial strain: Half (50%) of Americans with chronic conditions say their health has affected their ability to work, and 50% have experienced financial difficulties due to their condition.
- Emotional toll: 58% felt “depressed and overwhelmed” at diagnosis, and 41% still feel socially isolated because of their condition.
- Awareness: 63% of Americans without chronic conditions want to learn more about the daily experiences of those that do.
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Chronic condition prevalence & impact: 28% of
UK adults report living with a physical chronic health condition, and nearly half (48%) of those without a diagnosis have a close friend or relative who does. -
Work & financial strain: Nearly half (48%) of people with chronic conditions in the
UK say their health has affected their ability to work, and 38% have experienced financial difficulties as a result. - Emotional toll: 58% felt “depressed and overwhelmed” at diagnosis, and 41% still feel socially isolated because of their condition.
-
Awareness: 77% of
UK adults support greater public awareness and education.
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