Stigmatization among Post-COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

The process of stigmatization of patients who were formerly infected with Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) or post-COVID-19 patients, was studied. Qualitative research was done with data gathered by questionnaire and in-depth interviews from eight samples, all post-COVID-19 patients.

Results were that samples were stigmatized by three social conditions: self-appointed virtue police who judge illness by blaming afflicted people; general misconceptions about COVID-19 infection; and fear of contagion from the pandemic.

These findings suggest that service staff should be encouraged to provide follow-up services to post-COVID-19 patients and establish appropriate isolation zones without compromising human dignity or values.