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Madkhali NAB, Ameri A, Al-Naamani ZY, Alshammari B, Madkhali MAB, Jawed A, Alfaifi F, Kappi AA, Haque S. COVID-19 Linked Social Stigma Among Arab Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Experiences from the Active Phase of the Pandemic. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:805-823. [PMID: 38434483 PMCID: PMC10906728 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s450611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the magnitude and variability of the disease-linked stigma among COVID-19 survivors and their experiences of social stigma, coping strategies, contextual challenges, and preferences for support. Methods An Arabic version of the social stigma survey questionnaire was designed and validated to obtain socio-demographic characteristics and quantitative measures of stigma encountered by the survivors. 482 COVID-19 survivors completed the survey, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results The results of this study revealed the prevalence of high levels of both perceived external stigma and enacted stigma among participants. Enacted and Internalized stigma were associated with survivors' educational background/ status. The participants suggested three levels of support: organizational, social, and personal. Establishing an online stigma reduction program and national psychological crisis interventions at the organizational level. It is crucial to assist coping mechanisms and societal reintegration techniques at the social level. Conclusion These results provide valuable insights for holistic health policy formation and preparedness strategies for future pandemics, helping survivors promote health and reintegrate into society, where stigma reduction and psychological crisis interventions are underdeveloped.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bushra Alshammari
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Arshad Jawed
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faten Alfaifi
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Ali Kappi
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
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SeyedAlinaghi S, Afsahi AM, Shahidi R, Afzalian A, Mirzapour P, Eslami M, Ahmadi S, Matini P, Yarmohammadi S, Saeed Tamehri Zadeh S, Asili P, Paranjkhoo P, Ramezani M, Nooralioghli Parikhani S, Sanaati F, Amiri Fard I, Emamgholizade Baboli E, Mansouri S, Pashaei A, Mehraeen E, Hackett D. Social stigma during COVID-19: A systematic review. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231208273. [PMID: 38020797 PMCID: PMC10640804 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231208273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Stigmatization was reported throughout the COVID pandemic for COVID-19 patients and close contacts. The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively examine the prevalence and impact of stigmatization during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods English articles were searched using online databases that included PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to 24 August 2022. A two-step screening and selection process was followed utilizing an inclusion and exclusion criteria and then data was extracted from eligible articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was followed, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results Seventy-six studies were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-two studies reported the prevalence of social stigma due to COVID-19 infection with social isolation being the most commonly reported stigma. There were 20 studies that reported the majority of participants experienced stigma due to COVID-19 infection, which was as high as 100% of participants in two studies. Participants in 16 studies reported blaming from others as the second most common type of stigma, with various other types reported such as psychological pressure, verbal violence, avoidance, and labeling. The most common effect of the stigma was anxiety followed by depression, and then reduction of socialization. Conclusion Findings from the present review have identified that COVID-19-related stigma studies have generally focused on its prevalence, type, and outcome. Greater awareness of this topic may assist with improving public education during pandemics such as COVID-19 as well as access to support services for individuals impacted by stigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Masoud Afsahi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ramin Shahidi
- School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Arian Afzalian
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Mirzapour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Eslami
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepide Ahmadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Matini
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Saeed Tamehri Zadeh
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooria Asili
- Department of Pathology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parinaz Paranjkhoo
- Turpanjian College of Health Sciences, American University of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Maryam Ramezani
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Foziye Sanaati
- School of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Iman Amiri Fard
- Department of Community Health Nursing and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Emamgholizade Baboli
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaye Mansouri
- Department of Management, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Ava Pashaei
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Esmaeil Mehraeen
- Department of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Daniel Hackett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, Ageing and Wellbeing Faculty Research Group, School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Techapoonpon K, Kerdchareon N, Polruamngern N, Chalermrungroj T, Srikhamdokkhae O, Matangkarat P. Stigma Experienced by Patients Who Recovered from COVID-19 in Post-Vaccination Period in Thailand; Prevalence and Associated Factors. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3561-3571. [PMID: 37675190 PMCID: PMC10478950 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s425537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Social stigma related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been a public concern since its emergence, especially in the patients who are reintegrating into their society. However, the insights into COVID-19 stigmatization after vaccine availability are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity and associated factors of stigma experienced by patients who recovered from COVID-19 and reintegrated into their communities. The insights gained from this study are not only beneficial to COVID-19 but can also be used as a background information in future epidemics. Patients and Methods This study consisted of two phases. The first phase involved the translation and validation of the COVID-19-related stigma questionnaire. The second phase was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey conducted between January and February 2022, at the Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. A series of questionnaires regarding stigma, negative emotions (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21), and personal information were administered to COVID-19 patients who were already discharged and returned to their communities from June 2021 to February 28, 2022 (N = 354). Results The prevalence of stigma among the patients who recovered from COVID-19 was 57.9%. These were classified as mild (28.2%), moderate (21.5%), and severe (8.2%). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that longer admissions (r = - 0.151, p = 0.001) and longer duration from discharge (r = - 0.222, p = 0.001) were related to lower stigma. Higher stigma was associated with higher levels of depression (r = 0.528, p <0.001), anxiety (r = 0.506, p <0.001) and stress (r = 0.583, p <0.001). Conclusion Social stigma related to COVID-19 in Thailand declined during the post-vaccination period. However, this issue did not disappear, and still took a toll on mental health. Our findings suggested that providing appropriate assessment and help to the patients who recovered from COVID-19 is essential, even in the post-vaccination period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamolvisa Techapoonpon
- Department of Psychiatry, Navamindradhiraj University, Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitchawan Kerdchareon
- Department of Psychiatry, Navamindradhiraj University, Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nongnuch Polruamngern
- Department of Psychiatry, Navamindradhiraj University, Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Orranee Srikhamdokkhae
- Department of Psychiatry, Navamindradhiraj University, Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Premyuda Matangkarat
- Department of Psychiatry, Navamindradhiraj University, Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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Folayan MO, Zuñiga RAA, Virtanen JI, Ellakany P, Al-Tammemi AB, Quadri MFA, Jafer M, Ara E, Ayanore MA, Gaffar B, Aly NM, Idigbe I, Lusher J, Ezechi OC, Nguyen AL, Tantawi ME. A multi-country study of the associations between HIV vulnerability status, perception of COVID-19 related stigma and post-traumatic stress symptoms during the first wave of the pandemic. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1025. [PMID: 37254073 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the associations between COVID-19 related stigma and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); and the associations between PTSS and COVID-19 related stigma, HIV status, COVID-19 status and key HIV population status. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data of 12,355 study participants generated through an online survey that recruited adults from 152 countries between July and December 2020. The dependent variables were COVID-19-related stigma and PTSS. The independent variables were HIV status (positive/negative), transaction sex (yes/no), use of psychoactive drugs (yes/no), and vulnerability status (transaction sex workers, people who use psychoactive drugs, living with HIV, and COVID-19 status). The confounding variables were age, sex at birth (male/female), level of education, sexual minority individuals (yes/no) and country income level. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between the dependent and independent variables after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS There were 835 (6.8%) participants who experienced COVID-19 related stigma during the pandemic and 3,824 (31.0%) participants reported PTSS. Respondents who were living with HIV (AOR: 1.979; 95%CI: 1.522-2.573), tested positive for COVID-19 (AOR: 3.369; 95%CI: 2.692-4.217), engaged in transactional sex (AOR: 1.428; 95%CI: 1.060-1.922) and used psychoactive drugs (AOR: 1.364; 95%CI: 1.053-1.767) had significantly higher odds of experiencing COVID-19 related stigma. Individuals with vulnerability status (AOR:4.610; 95%CI: 1.590-13.368) and who experienced COVID-19 related stigma (AOR: 2.218; 95%CI: 1.920-2.561) had significantly higher odds of PTSS. CONCLUSION Individuals with vulnerability status may be at increased risk for COVID-19 related stigma. Key and vulnerable populations who were living with HIV and who experienced stigma may be at a higher risk of experiencing PTSS. Populations at risk for PTSS should be routinely screened and provided adequate support when they contract COVID-19 to reduce the risk for poor mental health during COVID-19 outbreaks and during future health crisis with similar magnitude as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
| | - Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Postgraduate Department, University of Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jorma I Virtanen
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Passent Ellakany
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ala'a B Al-Tammemi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mir Faeq Ali Quadri
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Washington, USA
| | - Mohammed Jafer
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Dental Public Health Division, Faculty of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eshrat Ara
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Psychology, Government College for Women, MA Road, Jizan, J&K, India
| | - Martin Amogre Ayanore
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Balgis Gaffar
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nourhan M Aly
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ifeoma Idigbe
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Joanne Lusher
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Provosts Group, Regent's University London, London, UK
| | - Oliver C Ezechi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Centre for Reproductive and Population Health Studies, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Mental Health and Wellness Study Group, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Nasir S, Ghazi Shahnawaz M, Giménez-Llort L. Uneven Implications of Lockdown Amid COVID-19 in India: From Harassment, Stigma, Crime, and Internally Displaced People to Stress and Coping Strategies in the Middle/Upper Class. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:348. [PMID: 36285917 PMCID: PMC9599041 DOI: 10.3390/bs12100348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A content analysis of an English Newspaper, The Times of India (the world's largest newspaper by circulation) during the first national lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic identified nine different categories culled out from a total of 129 news categories reporting unprecedented COVID-19 stories. Half of them portrayed two sides of a coin: from daily wagers and migrant workers, including internally displaced people (23/129), harassment and stigma (4/129), and crime (3/129) to stressors and coping strategies for middle/upper class individuals (39/129). Reports evidenced increased vulnerability in the lower layers of Indian stratified society. Yet, two years later, the uneven implications on physical and mental health are scarcely studied by scientific researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta Nasir
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Lydia Giménez-Llort
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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