Social and professional stigma during COVID-19 among healthcare workers in a Tunisian hospital

Abstract

Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the front line in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are at higher risk of acquiring SARS-CoV2 infection and might transmit the virus to other person or their family members. All these gave rise to stigma toward society, family, and HCWs.

Objectives

to measure social and professional stigma and guilty feelings among HCWs in a Tunisian hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire (sociodemographic and professional characteristics and three questions (yes/no) related to social and professional stigma and guilty feelings) was conducted from September 1 to December 31, 2020, at Charles Nicolle hospital of Tunis. The survey was distributed among HCWs consulting the department of occupational health after a COVID-19 infection.

Results

A total of 259 HCWs were included in the study. The mean age was 41±10 years with a sex ratio of 0.25. The HCWs were married in 66.8% of cases. The professional categories were represented mainly by nurses in 33.5% of cases followed by technicians and physicians in 26.2% and 17.4% of cases respectively. The average professional seniority was 13 years (min=1 year; max=13 years).

The social stigma was reported by 30.5% and professional stigma by 20.1%. The stigmatized population was predominantly female (86%), and the proportion of married people was 63%. The predominant professional category was nurses (36%) followed by senior technicians and workers (25% and 16% respectively). The average length of employment was 13 years. Guilt was felt by 57.1% of the cases.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, the social and professional stigma during COVID-19 among HCWs was significant as well as the feeling of guilt. This may have an adverse impact on HCWs’ mental health.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared