Stigma and COVID-19 in Iran: a rapid assessment. Issue 1 (17th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shokri, Azad; Moradi, Ghobad; Mohamadi Bolbanabad, Amjad; Satary, Mitra; Shabrandi, Mahin; Sadeghkhani, Parsa; Mohammadi, Aram; Ghorishi, Armin; Veisy, Ronak; Veysi, Arshad; Piroozi, Bakhtiar; Amiri Hoseini, Shina; Darvishi, Sonia; Asadi, Heshmatollah
• Is Part Of: International journal of human rights in healthcare. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2020-11-17
• Subjects: Iran -- COVID-19 -- Perceived stigma; Discrimination in medical care -- Periodicals; Minorities -- Medical care -- Periodicals; Social work with minorities -- Periodicals; Human rights -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1108/IJHRH-04-2020-0025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4902

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the perceived stigma among residents of Sanandaj, west of Iran, following COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from March to April 2020. The sample consisted of 1, 000 participants who live in Sanandaj. The data collection tool was a self-report electronic questionnaire. ANOVA and T-test were used to analyze the data. Findings: The mean perceived stigma for COVID-19 was 5.50±2.24 (IQR: 3.75–6.87) out of 10-point scale. The highest point was seen for perceived external stigma (6.73±2.49, IQR: 5–8.75) followed by disclosure stigma (4.95±3.92, IQR: 0–10). Interestingly, self-employers were more concerned about disclosing their illness than those with governmental jobs (25±3.93 vs. 4.31±4.14, P<0.05), and also had an overall higher stigma score; 5.72±2.23 vs. 5.19±2.37, P<0.05). Originality/value: COVID-19 stigma is high among Iranians and more common among men, youngsters and self-employers.