Status of stigma on the health care workers related to COVID-19 at the first wave of the pandemic in Iran: A qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundStigma can be seen as a mark of disgrace that can lead to the separation of one person from another. In this qualitative study, we assess the status of stigma among in front-line health care workers (HCWs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.Subjects and methodsThe participants were selected from frontline HCWs related to COVID-19 in Imam Ali and Imam Hossein referral hospitals in Alborz province, Iran. Study was conducted between May and June 2020. The 32-item checklist Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was used to report this qualitative study. Interview questions were prepared based on the grounded theory method. The thematic approach was used to analyze the data content. Data analysis was based on open and axial coding and after implementing the codes in MAXQDA software.ResultsThe results of this study included 4 themes, 8 categories and 33 sub-categories. Themes included extrinsic and intrinsic elements of stigma, perplexity and stigma removal requirements. Extrinsic elements included “creating blame and shame” and “discrimination” categories. Intrinsic elements included “the desire to be avoidance,” “feeling depressed and frustrated” and “feeling anxious and scared” categories. Perplexity included “feeling loss” category. Stigma removal requirements included “factors causing stigma” and “protective agents against stigma” categories.ConclusionLow public awareness on COVID-19 and inadequate public care, limited personal protective equipment and inadequate facilities for HCWs along with lack of appreciation for their efforts, lack of proper psychiatric/psychological counseling to identify and treat symptoms associated with mental health and the limitations of training to maintain mental health skills are considered to be factors in the formation of stigma among HCWs related to COVID-19. Health policymakers should implement coherent strategies related to increasing public awareness and providing personal protection needs and counseling care for HCWs in relation to COVID-19.

Suicidal ideation, burnout, and their correlation among health care workers at the end of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alborz Province, Iran

“…This study protocol includes cross-sectional studies and interventions at Alborz University of Medical Sciences teaching hospitals. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies have been conducted to measure mental health disorders among HCWs, and some results have been published (29,30).…”

“…Some commentaries introduce the first five items as screening questions (41). BSSI measures having suicide ideation (1-5), preparation for suicide (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and the decision to suicide (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38). A score of 1 or 2 was considered as indication of the presence of suicidal ideation (42).…”

Social support for overcoming fear of contagion at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study in Latin America

“…In some cases, healthcare professionals have suffered from the absence of social support due to the stigma associated with their profession, whereby others perceived them as vehicles of the virus ( Taylor et al, 2020 ). This social stigma has also contributed to the deterioration of their mental health ( Badrfam et al, 2022 ).…”

“…In some cases, healthcare professionals have suffered from the absence of social support due to the stigma associated with their profession, whereby others perceived them as vehicles of the virus (Taylor et al, 2020). This social stigma has also contributed to the deterioration of their mental health (Badrfam et al, 2022). Studies in the general population have highlighted the value of community social support during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during periods of lockdown policies.…”

Insights from China: understanding the impact of community resilience and government trust in psychological resilience and anxiety during COVID-19

“…Moreover, with many countries implementing stay-at-home measures to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, social interactions among residents have decreased. During this time, individuals may experience increased social isolation and loneliness, leading to more pronounced levels of anxiety and depression (4)(5)(6)(7). Research has unveiled that psychological resilience plays a pivotal role in enabling individuals to adapt to their psychological, emotional, and physical environments while facilitating self-recovery and rejuvenation following periods of duress.…”