Stigma: The Overlooked Side of COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new viral illness that is part of the same family as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, has globally infected millions of people. The COVID-19 pandemic has created fear and anxiety within society and resulted in detrimental impacts such as social stigma toward certain groups. These groups include individuals who have contracted the virus, individuals of certain backgrounds, those associated with COVID-19 patients and healthcare providers. It is important to understand the process of stigma to develop more effective interventions; this can include utilizing a psychoeducational and behavioural modification approach to ease disease transmission and patient suffering. Globally, a collective effort needs to be made to increase education, improve the knowledge and attitudes related to COVID-19 and aid in the reduction of social stigma. Local and national teamwork and communication is important to work efficiently; transparency is key to alleviate fears and reduce stigma and discrimination by addressing general and specific concerns about COVID-19. Understanding stigma in the context of COVID-19 is essential to increase awareness of its negative consequences and to recognize that education can improve health care and outcomes for this disease.