Abstract
Background and objectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors face societal stigma. The study aims to analyze the association of this stigma with the mental health and quality of life of COVID-19 survivors.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we observed 547 adults who were previously documented as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) positive by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, treated in a hospital or an emergency hospital and proven to be SARS-CoV-2 negative by their latest PCR test. We adopted the Berger HIV Stigma Scale to measure stigma; the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Form to measure quality of life; and the Mental Health Inventory-38 to measure mental health. The chi-square and binary logistic regression tests were used to find the correlation between the variables.ResultsThe multivariate analysis revealed that medium stigma was more likely related to quality of life and mental health than low stigma. Females were less likely to experience stigma related to mental health than men, and respondents who worked as laborers and entrepreneurs were less likely to experience stigma related to mental health than those who worked as civil workers/army personnel/teachers/lecturers. COVID-19 survivors experienced medium stigma in society and lower quality of life and mental health status. We found that quality of life and mental health were affected by stigma, sex, and occupation.ConclusionCOVID-19 survivors are a vulnerable group that is most at risk when they return to their communities. Creating a safe environment and providing respectful care, including addressing complex stigma factors, is vital for developing appropriate interventions.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the worldwide population, creating a burden of disease and mortality and an unprecedented impact on social life [1, 2]
Females were less likely to experience stigma related to mental health than men, and respondents who worked as laborers and entrepreneurs were less likely to experience stigma related to mental health than those who worked as civil workers/army personnel/teachers/lecturers
We found that quality of life and mental health were affected by stigma, sex, and occupation
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the worldwide population, creating a burden of disease and mortality and an unprecedented impact on social life [1, 2]. Insufficient knowledge and contradictory information about the severity of and protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) has increased anxiety among the population [1]. This uncertainty and anxiety have led people to believe vague and biased information from the media, social media, and self-proclaimed experts [4]. The study aims to analyze the association of this stigma with the mental health and quality of life of COVID-19 survivors
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