Social Stigma during COVID-19 and Its Impact on Healthcare Workers’ Outcomes at a Tertiary Care COVID-19 Hospital
Melbin James, S. Balabaskaran, S. Pravinraj, S. Ashika, K. Chavada Vijay, Johnson CherianIntroduction:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly transformed the working environment and job demands. In view of uncertainty, stigmatization, and the risk of potentially exposing their families to infection were prominent for healthcare workers (HCWs) during the crisis. This study examined the effects of stigma, job demands, and self-esteem, and the consequences of working as a “frontline health care provider” with patients infected with COVID-19.
Methodology:
A correlational design study involved 250 HCWs working in a designated COVID-19 hospital at Pondicherry, India. Standard data collection questionnaires administered: (1) the Job Content Questionnaire, for assessing psychological and physical demands; (2) the Professional Quality of Life Scale; (3) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, for evaluating individual self-esteem; (4) a self-administered multiple-choice questionnaire developed by See
Results and Conclusion:
The results showed that out of 250, a total of 89 (35.6%) were male and 161 (54.4%) were female, with 197 (78.8%) doctors and 53 (21.2%) staff nurses. Significantly higher scores of fatigue and burnout were reported among females than males. The age was found to be significantly positively related to burnout levels and satisfaction levels. The occupation was found to be a nonsignificant factor when assessed for its association with various factors. The findings suggest that stigma has a high impact on workers’ outcomes and may influence worker compliance, and can act as a tool in management communication strategies relating to pandemic risk for HCWs.