Perception of COVID-19-related stigma and associated psychological challenges among healthcare workers at Cairo University hospitals

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 51; no. 1; p. 3000605221148833
• Main Authors: Gaber, Dalia Mohamed, Ahmed, Marwa Mostafa, Sayed, Amal Mohamed, Elkholy, Yasmine Samy, Sarhan, Mai Diaa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2023; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Anxiety; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Female; Health Personnel - psychology; Hospitals, University; Humans; Medical personnel; Pandemics; Perception; Perceptions; Retrospective Clinical Research Report; Social Stigma; Stigma; Stress; COVID-19; anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder; Cairo University hospital; stigma perception; Healthcare workers; depression; psychological symptoms
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/03000605221148833

Objectives The current study explores the level of perceived social stigma and associated psychological challenges among healthcare workers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 150 healthcare workers at Cairo University hospitals that were confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection. Participants were interviewed for assessment of perceived COVID-19-related stigma and associated psychological symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment for anxiety, and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results Two-thirds of participants perceived moderate-to-severe COVID-19-related stigma. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were observed at varying levels in 58.0%, 38.0%, and 11.3% of participants, respectively. Female sex and occupation as a nurse were significantly associated with the total perceived COVID-19-related stigma score. COVID-19-related stigma perception significantly correlated with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Conclusion Perceived social stigma prevails among healthcare workers and is associated with numerous psychological disturbances.