COVID 19 related perceived discrimination in medical settings, March and April 2020

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Sociology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generated significant fear, potentially leading to discrimination against infected individuals.
• Fear and stigma associated with infectious diseases can negatively impact patient experiences and health outcomes within healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the level of perceived discrimination experienced by patients admitted to COVID-19 wards.
• To identify specific forms of discrimination and their prevalence in medical settings during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive and analytical study design was employed.
• Data were collected from 176 patients discharged from COVID-19 wards in March and April 2020.
• A validated discrimination scale was utilized to assess patient-reported experiences.

Main Results:

• The overall mean score on the discrimination scale was 11.51 ± 3.883, indicating a low level of perceived discrimination among patients.
• The most frequently reported form of discrimination was the refusal of physicians and nurses to conduct physical examinations (mean score 0.992 ± 3.49).

Conclusions:

• While overall perceived discrimination was low, specific discriminatory behaviors, such as avoidance of physical examination by healthcare staff, were noted.
• Further research and targeted interventions are necessary to identify the root causes of discrimination and implement strategies to prevent it in medical settings.
• Addressing discriminatory behaviors is crucial for improving patient hospitalization experiences and enhancing disease outcomes during pandemics.