AN EXPLORATORY STUDY EVALUATING EXPERIENCED STIGMA AMONG DOCTORS IN A DEDICATED COVID-19 HOSPITAL OF NORTH INDIA

JASMIN GARG; ADITI SINGLA; ROHIT GARG

doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2022.v15i2.43889

Authors

JASMIN GARG Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5331-4474
ADITI SINGLA Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India.
ROHIT GARG Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2022.v15i2.43889

Keywords:

COVID-19, doctors, experienced stigma

Abstract

Objective: Doctors may experience stigma and discrimination from community, friends and even family due to their association with COVID-19 patients. The present study was planned to assess actual stigma experienced by doctors because of working in COVID-19 wards.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry of a dedicated COVID-19 Hospital of North India. A Google Survey Form which measured Experienced Stigma was circulated through WhatsApp groups in October-November 2020 among all the doctors working in COVID-19 ward. Data collected was analyzed statistically.

Results: Around 250 doctors participated in the study and 70% of them experienced stigma in one or more ways. Approximately, 60% doctors had stopped socializing because of people’s reactions, they felt that people were afraid of them and that people avoided touching them because they were treating patients with COVID-19. 110 (44%) respondents were denied social exchanges/friendships, 88 (35.2%) felt neglected by family or friends, and 71 (28.4%) lost friendships because they worked with patients with COVID-19. Stigma was experienced significantly higher in younger age (p=0.012*), resident doctors (p=0.001**) and those with longer working hours (p=0.01*).

Conclusion: Doctors experience stigma from friends, family and general public due to their contact with COVID-19 patients. Experienced stigma is higher in young age and resident doctors.

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