Final answer:
Social institutions are structures that provide organization and norms for societal functions, and can suffer from stigmatization of illnesses, especially mental disorders and STIs. Stigma leads to discrimination and can impact the quality of care received. Social epidemiology seeks to understand and address the impact of such stigmas on public health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social institutions are structures within society that organize, manage, and sustain social norms and activities related to various functions such as education, family, law, religion, and health. Stigma related to illnesses can have profound impacts on individuals and societies. For example, when discussing the stigmatization of illness, it's important to consider that cultural perspectives and societal norms dictate which illnesses are stigmatized and which are not. Many illnesses, particularly mental disorders, STIs, and skin disorders, carry heavy social stigmas. This may discourage individuals from seeking care, affecting not only their health but the perception and treatment of the disease within the healthcare system. Stigmatization can lead to people being labeled and discriminated against, often relegating them to substandard healthcare facilities or segregating them from other patients. Efforts by social epidemiologists and organizations aim to understand and mitigate these impacts by promoting inclusion and equity in healthcare.