Stigma: an unmet public health priority in COPD

“Back then, we didn't know how harmful smoking is.” “I have really been trying to quit doctor, but it is not easy.” At least once in every respiratory clinic we hear such an uncomfortable, apologetic response by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when questioned about their smoking history. These patients have been stigmatised due to their disease. Stigma is a social construct that devalues a person based on a...