A Study on Coronavirus Disease-2019 Stigma Associated with Coronavirus Disease-2019 Warriors and an Insight into Community Perception.

Objective: In 2020, the world came to a standstill due to the havoc created by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. The onus of tackling the disease relies largely on healthcare workers. However, other members of society, such as police personnel and sanitary workers, also made a major contribution in disease prevention. Despite working relentlessly, they face stigma caused by misconceptions and false information that create a health gap. This study aimed to determine the level of stigma and discrimination against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) warriors, understand its effects, and assess the community perception of the causes of stigmatization.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months. The sample size was time-bound, and a mixed method of sampling was employed. A total of 78 COVID-19 warriors and 68 participants from the community were enrolled. Stigma assessment was based on four domains: anticipated stigma, experienced stigma, internalized stigma, and disclosure concerns. Relevant tests of significance were applied, and the data are presented in percentages and ratios.

Results: Of the participants, 46.1% were in the age group of 30-40 years, 47% were males, and 81% were doctors by profession and were engaged in a minimum of 6-12 h of duty for 2 weeks. Of the study population, 85.5% had anticipated stigma, whereas 72.2% had experienced stigma, 43.4% had internalized stigma, and 76.3% had disclosure concerns. Internalized stigma was found to be significantly associated with age (p<0.05) and personal attributes (p<0.05). Of the community participants, 47.1% had a doctor in their neighborhood, and contracting COVID-19 was the primary concern of 44.1% due to the presence of a COVID-19 warrior in their vicinity. Other concerns, such as having to take extra precautions and social distancing being compromised, were also reported.

Conclusions: A significant level of stigma was experienced by COVID-19 warriors, causing a negative impact on their mental well-being.