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Abdelwahab SF, Fathelrahman AI, Alazwari HF, Almalki OS. Stigma and inequality in the management of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)- patients among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia and associated beliefs: A cross sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:109-118. [PMID: 37995556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma and discrimination (SAD) can greatly impact the management of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) patients. Studies examining SAD in managing COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia (SA) are limited. This study examined the discrimination and inequality in treating COVID-19 patients and the associated beliefs among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the pandemic. METHODS This was a cross sectional study using an online self-administrated questionnaire by 414 HCWs from September 2022 to January 2023. RESULTS Of the 414 participants, 53.4% aged 18-30 years, were males (53.4%), mostly Saudi (82.1%), and residents of western SA (90.8%). Almost one-third of the participants (32.1%) were physicians, and 23.7% were pharmacists. 53.1% of the HCWs had work experience < 5 years, 49.3% either had a current/previous COVID-19 infection and 10.1% (n = 42) reported treating ≥ 2000 COVID-19 patients. Most of the participants had not received training on avoiding discrimination against COVID-19 patients (n = 246; 59.4%) and denied receiving any incentives from their institution (n = 294; 71%) or community (n = 248; 59.9%) during the pandemic. Less than 20% of the HCWs had observed some sort of discrimination in providing care for COVID-19 patients. The responses significantly differed by nationality, educational level, specialty, workplace and COVID-19 infection status (P < 0.05). Approximately, 20% of the participants held negative beliefs about COVID-19 patients and these responses varied significantly by nationality, work experience, workplace, gender, and age (p < 0.05). Cross-tabulation and regression analyses showed some differences by gender, workplace, specialty and COVID-19 infection status. CONCLUSIONS There was a low prevalence of negative beliefs about COVID-19 patients and a low prevalence of discriminatory behaviors in providing care for these patients in SA. Training and governmental regulations could further lower the prevalence of SAD against COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed F Abdelwahab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Hamed F Alazwari
- Pharmacy student, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohoud S Almalki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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James PB, Gatwiri K, Mwanri L, Wardle J. Impacts of COVID-19 on African Migrants' Wellbeing, and Their Coping Strategies in Urban and Regional New South Wales, Australia: a Qualitative Study. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01806-z. [PMID: 37768537 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues to evolve, the need to protect more vulnerable populations in society becomes more apparent. Studies are still emerging on how different population groups have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study explored the impact of COVID-19 for African migrants in New South Wales, Australia, and their coping strategies. METHODS We employed inductive, exploratory qualitative interpretive research design using individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with 21 African migrants. RESULTS COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted the African sense of community. Social isolation, financial insecurity due to joblessness, or reduced working hours led to stress, frustration, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression. On the other hand, COVID-19 lockdowns allowed for more family time, reflecting, and appreciating the gift of life and personal intellectual growth. Despite such challenges, there was much community support, especially from religious organisations. Support from government agencies was available, but access was hampered by misinformation, digital literacy, and immigration status. Holding on to religion and faith was a key coping mechanism, followed by indulging in self-care practices such as healthy eating, exercise, Yoga, meditation, sleep, and limited interaction with social media. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 lockdown disrupted the collectivist culture of African migrants and had untoward socioeconomic impacts that affected their wellbeing, many of which reflect an exacerbation of pre-existing inequities. To ensure that African migrant COVID-19-related health and wellbeing needs are met, the African migrant community must be actively involved in every facet of the NSW COVID-19 and other future outbreak response efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bai James
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Kathomi Gatwiri
- Centre for Children & Young People, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Lillian Mwanri
- Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jon Wardle
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
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Reibling N, Linden P, Schneider T. [COVID-19-related self-stigma: association with vulnerability and trust in institutions]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03742-z. [PMID: 37395753 PMCID: PMC10372126 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-stigmatization in the context of infectious diseases can be a psychosocial burden and reduce the cooperation with infection control measures. This study investigates for the first time the level of self-stigmatization among individuals with different social and medical vulnerabilities in Germany. METHODS Data are derived from an online survey (CAWI: Computer Assisted Web Interview) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in winter 2020/21. The quota sample (N = 2536) is representative for the key variables gender, age, education, and place of residence for the German adult population. For operationalizing COVID-19 related self-stigmatization, we developed a new scale. We also collected information on medical and social vulnerabilities as well as trust in institutions. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics and multiple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. RESULTS Overall, we find a level of self-stigmatization slightly over the scale mean. While socially vulnerable groups do not have higher levels of self-stigmatization - with the exception of women - individuals with medical vulnerabilities (higher infection risks, poor health status, risk group) show higher levels of self-stigma. Higher trust in institutions is associated with higher levels of self-stigmatization. DISCUSSION Stigmatization should be regularly monitored during pandemics and considered in communication measures. Thus, it is important to pay attention to less stigmatizing formulations and to point out risks without defining risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Reibling
- Fachbereich Gesundheitswissenschaften, Hochschule Fulda, Fulda, Deutschland
| | - Philipp Linden
- Fachbereich Gesundheitswissenschaften, Hochschule Fulda, Fulda, Deutschland
| | - Torsten Schneider
- Seminar für Sozialwissenschaften, Universität Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068, Siegen, Deutschland.
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Dai Z, Meindl M, Tetteh D. Vlogging Pregnancy and Laboring During the Pandemic on YouTube. J Perinat Educ 2023; 32:141-148. [PMID: 37520791 PMCID: PMC10386787 DOI: 10.1891/jpe-2021-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since early 2020, the world has been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid changing situation led to unforeseeable challenges and questions for many people, including pregnant women. Through a textual analysis of personal narratives told via pregnancy and/or laboring vlogs during COVID-19, this present study aims to understand how women from China who live in another country during pregnancy have utilized YouTube vlogs to share their experiences. Through this analysis, we identify various challenges that these women experienced during their pregnancy. The COVID-19 pandemic exaggerated the normal difficulties of these issues and also created additional problems for these women, including regular pregnancy tests, choice of birthing locations, and the support and caring that were normal during this time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Dai
- Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to Zehui Dai, PhD. E-mail:
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Boissin E, Caparos S, De Neys W. No easy fix for belief bias during syllogistic reasoning? JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2023.2181734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Serge Caparos
- Université Paris 8, DysCo Lab, Saint-Denis, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Wim De Neys
- Université Paris Cité, LaPsyDÉ, CNRS, Paris, France
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Scholz U, Bierbauer W, Lüscher J. Social Stigma, Mental Health, Stress, and Health-Related Quality of Life in People with Long COVID. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3927. [PMID: 36900938 PMCID: PMC10001775 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A considerable amount of people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience ongoing symptoms, a condition termed long COVID. This study examined nuanced experiences of social stigma in people with long COVID and their associations with perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and mental and physical health-related quality of life (hrqol). A total of N = 253 participants with long COVID symptoms (mean age = 45.49, SD = 12.03; n = 224, 88.5% women) completed a cross-sectional online survey on overall social stigma and the subfacets enacted and perceived external stigma, disclosure concerns, and internalized stigma. Data were analysed using multiple regression and controlling for overall burden of consequences of long COVID, overall burden of symptoms of long COVID, and outcome-specific confounders. In line with our preregistered hypotheses, total social stigma was related to more perceived stress, more depressive symptoms, higher anxiety, and lower mental hrqol, but-in contrast to our hypothesis-it was unrelated to physical hrqol after controlling for confounders. The three subscales of social stigma resulted in differential associations with the outcomes. Social stigma experiences go hand in hand with worse mental health in people with long COVID. Future studies should examine potential protective factors to buffer the effects of social stigma on people's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urte Scholz
- Applied Social and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/Box 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Stampfenbachstrasse 73l, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Bierbauer
- Applied Social and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/Box 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Stampfenbachstrasse 73l, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Lüscher
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zaech-Strasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
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Bisenius S, Treml J, Hanschmidt F, Kersting A. Stigmatization profiles and psychological distress in people at high risk of infection with COVID-19 -A study conducted in Germany from March to August 2021. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285788. [PMID: 37200379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-related stigmatization of affected people or people at risk of infection has been shown to enhance the reluctance of affected individuals to use health services and reduce their mental health. It is thus highly important to gain a thorough understanding of COVID-19-related stigmatization. The present study's first aim was to explore stigmatization profiles of experienced stigmatization (anticipated stigmatization, internalized stigmatization, enacted stigmatization, disclosure concerns) and stigmatization practices in 371 German people at high risk of infection using latent class analyses. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between stigmatization profiles and psychological distress via multiple regression analysis taking into account other possible negative and positive risk factors. Our results showed two stigmatization profiles: "high stigmatization group" and "low stigmatization group". Belonging to the "high stigmatization group" was significantly correlated with higher levels of psychological distress. Other risk factors significantly related to psychological distress were mental health disorders in the past, exposure to COVID-19, fear related to COVID-19, perceived risk of being infected, lower perceived self-efficacy, and lower subjective knowledge about COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Bisenius
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Julia Treml
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Franz Hanschmidt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Anette Kersting
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
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Mazzagatti R, Riva M. Monkeypox vaccine-related stigma. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2022; 4:100336. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Koller JE, Villinger K, Lages NC, Absetz P, Bamert M, Branquinho C, Chaves-Avilés L, Dimitropoulou P, Fernández-Fernández AL, Gaspar de Matos M, Griskevica I, Gutiérrez-Doña B, Hankonen N, Inauen J, Jordanova Peshevska D, Kassianos AP, Kolesnikova J, Lavrič M, Mitanovska T, Neter E, Poštuvan V, Trups-Kalne I, Vargas-Carmiol J, Schupp HT, Renner B. Individual and collective protective responses during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 10 different countries: Results from the EUCLID online survey. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:356-364. [PMID: 35709963 PMCID: PMC9190179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In times of unprecedented infectious disease threats, it is essential to understand how to increase individual protective behaviors and support for collective measures. The present study therefore examines factors associated with individual and collective pathways. METHODS Data was collected through an online survey from 4483 participants (70.8% female, M = 41.2 years) across 10 countries from April 15, 2020 to June 2, 2020 as part of the "EUCLID" project (https://euclid.dbvis.de). Structural equation modeling was used to examine individual and collective pathways across and within countries. RESULTS Overall, the adoption of individual protective behaviors and support for collective measures were high. Risk perception on the individual level and perceived effectiveness at the collective level were positively associated with both individual protective behaviors and support for collective measures. Furthermore, the model explained considerable variance in individual (40.7%) and collective protective behaviors (40.8%) and was largely replicated across countries. CONCLUSIONS The study extends previous research by demonstrating that individual risk perception and perceived effectiveness of collective measures jointly affect individual protective health behaviors and support for collective measures. These findings highlight the need to jointly consider a variety of behavioral actions against infectious disease threats, acknowledging interactions between individual and collective pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Koller
- Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany,Corresponding author: Julia E. Koller
| | - Karoline Villinger
- Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany,Applied Social and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland,Corresponding author: Julia E. Koller
| | - Nadine C. Lages
- Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Melanie Bamert
- Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cátia Branquinho
- Institute of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lourdes Chaves-Avilés
- Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), Central Pacific Office (Parrita-Quepos), Costa Rica
| | | | | | | | - Inguna Griskevica
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Benicio Gutiérrez-Doña
- Research Vice-Rectory, Research Program in Psychological/Behavioral Sciences, Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Jennifer Inauen
- Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Angelos P. Kassianos
- Department of Applied Health Research, UCL, London, UK,Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Jelena Kolesnikova
- Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Psychology laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Meta Lavrič
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Slovenia,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Mitanovska
- Neurovita - Center for Neuropsychology and Cognitive Psychology, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Efrat Neter
- Behavioral Sciences Department, Ruppin Academic Center, Israel
| | - Vita Poštuvan
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Slovenia,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Slovenia
| | | | - Jorge Vargas-Carmiol
- Medicine School, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Harald T. Schupp
- General and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Britta Renner
- Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Germany
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