Stigma and COVID-19 in Iran: a rapid assessment

Purpose The purpose of the study is to investigate the perceived stigma among residents of Sanandaj, west of Iran, following COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional study conducted from March to April 2020. The sample consisted of 1,000 participants who live in Sanandaj. The data collection tool was a self-report electronic questionnaire. ANOVA and T-test were used to analyze the data. Findings The mean perceived stigma for COVID-19 was 5.50 +/- 2.24 (IQR: 3.75-6.87) out of 10-point scale. The highest point was seen for perceived external stigma (6.73 +/- 2.49, IQR: 5-8.75) followed by disclosure stigma (4.95 +/- 3.92, IQR: 0-10). Interestingly, self-employers were more concerned about disclosing their illness than those with governmental jobs (25 +/- 3.93 vs. 4.31 +/- 4.14, P<0.05), and also had an overall higher stigma score; 5.72 +/- 2.23 vs. 5.19 +/- 2.37, P<0.05). Originality/value COVID-19 stigma is high among Iranians and more common among men, youngsters and self-employers.

Automated summary

The study investigated the perceived stigma among residents of Sanandaj following COVID-19 pandemic, with self-employers showing more concern about disclosing their illness and higher overall stigma scores. High levels of COVID-19 stigma were found among Iranians, particularly among men, youngsters, and self-employers.