Psychosocial health stigma related to COVID-19 disease among COVID-19 patients in Jordan: a comparative study.

Objective: Beyond its effects on physical health, COVID-19 psychosocial stigma has emerged as a result of this global crisis, making people feel ashamed, alone and discriminated against. This comparative study aims to assess the psychosocial health stigma of COVID-19, and to evaluate the perceived stigma according to the sociodemographic variables during the pandemic in Jordan.

Method: A study in Jordan compared stigma between 112 COVID-19 patients (52 males and 60 females) and 118 healthy controls (56 males and 62 females), with participants ranging from 18 to over 60 years old in both groups.

Results: According to the data, 27% of COVID-19 patients had high-level stigma, with total stigma scores ranging from 46 to 111 and a mean of 80.23 (SD=12.79). Quartile results showed 50% scored 80, 25% over 88 and 75% over 78, indicating moderate stigma within a 0-160 range. On the other hand, the total scores of stigma among the healthy controls ranged from 40 to 112, with a mean of 78.55 (SD=12.41). 30.3% report high levels of stigma. Quartile results showed 50% scored 78, 25% over 85 and 75% over 71, indicating moderate stigma. No significant stigma score difference was found between patients and controls (t=1.09, p=0.28). No significant correlation with demographics, except among medical workers (t=-3.32, p=0.001).

Conclusion: The study revealed negligible differences in stigma between the two groups, but greater stigma among medical field workers highlighting the need for integrated community and policy support to fight stigma.