Social Stigma Associated with COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers: A Concept Analysis

Despite the presence of "COVID-19-related social stigma" in health literature, there is no clear definition of this concept in healthcare setting. It is often confused with related terms such as shame, discrimination, and prejudice, leading to imprecise research questions and ineffective evaluations. The aim of this study was to elucidate the concept of social stigma associated with COVID-19 in healthcare workers using Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method.

Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was employed to clarify COVID-19-related social stigma in healthcare workers. A literature review was conducted using key terms "COVID-19", "social stigma", and related terms in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest databases, and Google Scholar from January 2019 to September 2024. Among 3993 studies found, 46 were selected for analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

COVID-19-related social stigma among healthcare workers is a multidimensional concept characterized by three primary attributes: Alienation, Humiliation, and Ignorance. The antecedents identified include Fear, Fake news, and the Contagious Nature of the virus. Consequences of this stigma encompass Psychological Issues, Feelings of Worthlessness, Impaired Functionality, and Job Attrition.

Social stigmatization associated with COVID-19 exerts significant pressure on healthcare workers. It is crucial to understand the factors that exacerbate this issue. Identifying the dimensions of this stigma can provide valuable insights for policymakers and the media. The implementation of preventive measures, such as clear protocols tailored to the public's educational level and addressing fears of contamination, can improve the situation and reduce the financial strain caused by the loss of healthcare personnel, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.