Mental distress among healthcare workers due to COVID-19 during second wave in a tertiary care center of South Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in India are facing physical and psychological pressure. The pandemic has significant psychological impacts. Hence, we wanted to assess the mental stress and social stress among HCWs during the second wave of COVID-19. Aim and Objectives: Assessment of the mental distress among HCWs of tertiary care level institution during second wave of COVID-19 with the following objectives: (1) To know the sociodemographic characteristics of the HCWs of tertiary care center and (2) to assess the psychological stress among healthcare workers of a tertiary health center. Material(s) and Method(s): It is a cross-sectional and observational study conducted in hospital setting, in a tertiary care setting. Data were collected from 196 HCWs of the institute. Institutional ethical clearance was taken before the study. Structured questionnaire included sociodemographic variables, work-related variables, and variables to assess social stress. We used hospital anxiety and depression scoring questionnaire to assess anxiety and depression. Data were collected through personal interviews and online through Google forms after taking informed consent. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests are used analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 21 for Statistical analysis. Result(s): A total of 196 HCWs, 121 doctors, 74 nursing staff, and one ward staff participated in the study. Nursing staff were at higher risk for anxiety and depression, that is, 29% and 25% than others. Females were slightly more anxious (29%) and depressed (17%) than males. HCWs who are Muslim by religion were at more mental distress. Media exposure of more than 3 h had increased risk of mental distress. HCWs with other frontline COVID warrior as a partner were both anxious (40%) and depressed (20%). Anxiety (35%) was more among those who's family members got COVID positive. About 25% of them faced social stigma, 55% of them faced issue of isolation with in the community, and 14% of them faced acts of violence which is unacceptable. Conclusion(s): Although its second wave HCWs are still having psychological distress which needs to be addressed. Social stress that they are facing is significant and is associated with higher anxiety and depression, which has to be taken seriously.Copyright © 2023, Mr Bhawani Singh. All rights reserved.

Challenges faced in biomedical waste management by waste handlers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital: a qualitative study

Introduction : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) saw an overhaul in the biomedical waste management (BMWM) practices. Waste handlers were at the brunt of these changes. If the challenges pertaining to BMWM at the ground level are better understood, more effective measures to overcome them can be formulated. Objectives: 1. To identify myths and concerns regarding BMWM in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. 2. To explore the challenges faced in BMWM amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 3.To explore opportunities and future perspectives of BMWM. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted among 17 purposively selected Class IV health care workers during August to November 2021 in a tertiary care institute in Mumbai. Data was reported using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes - challenges and concerns faced by BMW handlers, enablers/motivators, opportunities and future practices were generated from the transcripts. Various challenges faced by waste handlers were- difficulties in segregation and transport of BMW, exhaustion from PPE usage and fear of acquiring and spreading COVID-19 from work, stigma faced from public, and handling COVID-19 deaths. Support from family and colleagues, incentives and a positive change in public perception enabled them to work. Forming redressal committees, addressing job security concerns and timely provision of good quality equipment can improve hospital waste management measures in the future. Conclusion: It is of utmost importance to address challenges faced by waste handlers in BMWM. Onus should also be on periodic training in BMWM.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Female Domestic Workers in an Urban Setting

This paper focuses on the increasing marginalisation and vulnerability of female domestic workers in urban India in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyses the impact of the pandemic on the livelihood and the physical, mental and emotional well-being of women domestic workers through a primary survey conducted in Lucknow city in 2020 and 2021. The paper highlights the effect of lockdown on their livelihoods, savings, food security, family life and mental health. It also analyses the effectiveness of the outreach of government support to this vulnerable segment of the urban informal sector. Given the vulnerability of this group to various forms of exploitation, the authors suggest that policy interventions aimed at providing welfare and social protections will need to be coupled with strong political will and increased social consciousness to have an enduring impact. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.

The Earthquake Disaster in Turkiye: A Review from Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Perspective

The earthquake has long-lasting various mental and behavioral effects on children and adolescents. The aim of this review was to discuss the nature and extent of psychiatric problems, management options, and the process of organizing psychological interventions for affected children. Individuals show a range of physically, emotionally, and cognitively healthy responses that can help them cope with the aftermath of a disaster. Psychiatric symptoms such as acute stress reactions, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, increased risk of suicide, sleep disorders, substance use disorders, and psychotic disorders may develop in some children. Comorbidities and sub-clinical syndromes are also common. There are many risk factors and protective factors in the development of mental disorders. Close follow-up of children at high risk and interventions for psychosocial support may prevent the development of mental disorders. It is very important to start the intervention at the earliest period. The psychological impacts of young disaster victims can be addressed by skilled local volunteers, medical professionals, and educators in primary health care programs. With the nation's overall social and economic recovery, children can recover more quickly from traumatic experiences.Copyright © 2023, Duzce University Medical School. All rights reserved.

Social stigma and discrimination faced by COVID-19 patients in an industrial unit: Findings of survey from rural Maharashtra.

Introduction: Uncertain situation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to fear, stigma, and discrimination across all strata of society in varying proportions. Stigmatization increases the suffering of people or those who are at risk of getting the disease and make it harder for public health authorities to control the disease. Material and Methods: The present study is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey conducted over a period of four weeks in the month of July 2021 in a food industry in rural region of western Maharashtra among COVID-19 positive patients. A total of 152 participants were included in the study. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Descriptive statistics were used which included frequencies and percentages. Results: 64.5% of the participants were males and 35.5% were females. Approx. 85% of the participants were in age group 15-58 years. 100% of them reported to have faced fear on being tested COVID-19 positive. However, only approx. 2-5% individuals hid their illness from family and friends and 7.9% of them were afraid of getting hospitalized. Conclusion: It was found that fear was prevalent among all survivors but stigma was found to be minimal which is likely due to widespread awareness through media, IEC campaigns, and active involvement of administration in implementing policies.

A multi-country study of the associations between HIV vulnerability status, perception of COVID-19 related stigma and post-traumatic stress symptoms during the first wave of the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the associations between COVID-19 related stigma and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); and the associations between PTSS and COVID-19 related stigma, HIV status, COVID-19 status and key HIV population status. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data of 12,355 study participants generated through an online survey that recruited adults from 152 countries between July and December 2020. The dependent variables were COVID-19-related stigma and PTSS. The independent variables were HIV status (positive/negative), transaction sex (yes/no), use of psychoactive drugs (yes/no), and vulnerability status (transaction sex workers, people who use psychoactive drugs, living with HIV, and COVID-19 status). The confounding variables were age, sex at birth (male/female), level of education, sexual minority individuals (yes/no) and country income level. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between the dependent and independent variables after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: There were 835 (6.8%) participants who experienced COVID-19 related stigma during the pandemic and 3,824 (31.0%) participants reported PTSS. Respondents who were living with HIV (AOR: 1.979; 95%CI: 1.522-2.573), tested positive for COVID-19 (AOR: 3.369; 95%CI: 2.692-4.217), engaged in transactional sex (AOR: 1.428; 95%CI: 1.060-1.922) and used psychoactive drugs (AOR: 1.364; 95%CI: 1.053-1.767) had significantly higher odds of experiencing COVID-19 related stigma. Individuals with vulnerability status (AOR:4.610; 95%CI: 1.590-13.368) and who experienced COVID-19 related stigma (AOR: 2.218; 95%CI: 1.920-2.561) had significantly higher odds of PTSS. CONCLUSION: Individuals with vulnerability status may be at increased risk for COVID-19 related stigma. Key and vulnerable populations who were living with HIV and who experienced stigma may be at a higher risk of experiencing PTSS. Populations at risk for PTSS should be routinely screened and provided adequate support when they contract COVID-19 to reduce the risk for poor mental health during COVID-19 outbreaks and during future health crisis with similar magnitude as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blood donation from gay and bisexual men: contextualizing the approval of the federal supreme court / Donación de sangre de hombres homosexuales y bisexuales: contextualizando la aprobación del supremo tribunal federal / Doação de sangue de homens gays e bissexuais: contextualizando a aprovação do supremo tribunal federal

ABSTRACT Objective: to discuss the process of allowing blood donation by the LGBTQIAP+ community by the Federal Supreme Court in contrast to the Legislation of the Regulatory Agency for Blood and Blood Components. Method: this is a reflective study, considering the principles and concepts of Pierre Bourdieu's symbolic capital as a theoretical-methodological framework. Analysis was carried out in documents that dealt with the permission of blood donation by gay and bisexual men, such as bills, FSC decisions and media materials relevant to the proposed theme. Results: we argue that two historical events were decisive for the vote on the act of unconstitutionality by the Federal Supreme Court: the mobilization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender social movements and the coronavirus pandemic. Conclusion: validation of the right to blood donation contributes to the exercise of citizenship of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

RESUMEN Objetivo: discutir el proceso de autorización de la donación de sangre por parte de la comunidad LGBTQIAP+ por parte del Supremo Tribunal Federal en contraste con la Legislación de la Agencia Reguladora de Sangre y Hemoderivados. Método: estudio reflexivo, considerando los principios y conceptos del capital simbólico de Pierre Bourdieu como marco teórico-metodológico. El análisis se llevó a cabo en los documentos que trataban sobre el permiso de donación de sangre por parte de hombres homosexuales y bisexuales, como proyectos de ley, decisiones del STF y materiales de prensa relevantes para el tema propuesto. Resultados: argumentamos que dos hechos históricos fueron decisivos para la votación del acto de inconstitucionalidad por parte del Supremo Tribunal Federal: la movilización de los movimientos sociales de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales y la pandemia del coronavirus. Conclusión: la validación del derecho a la donación de sangre contribuye al ejercicio de la ciudadanía de las personas lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transgénero.

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir o processo de permissão da doação de sangue pela comunidade LGBTQIAP+ pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal em contraponto à Legislação da Agência Reguladora de Sangue e Hemoderivados. Método: estudo do tipo reflexivo, considerando os princípios e conceitos do capital simbólico de Pierre Bourdieu como referencial teórico-metodológico. A análise foi realizada nos documentos que tratavam da permissão da doação de sangue por homens gays e bissexuais tais como: projetos de lei, decisões do STF e materiais de mídias pertinentes ao tema proposto. Resultados: argumentamos que dois eventos históricos foram decisivos para a votação do ato de inconstitucionalidade pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal: a mobilização dos movimentos sociais de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais e Transgênero e a Pandemia de Coronavírus. Conclusão: a validação do direito à doação de sangue contribui para o exercício da cidadania das pessoas Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais e Transgênero.

Effects of triple combination therapy on quality of life and psychosocial outcomes: A longitudinal study

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator triple combination therapy (TCT) is available to approximately 85% of the U.S. CF population. Clinical trials of TCT demonstrate numerous improvements in physical health and healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL), but fewstudies have examined the effects of TCTon mental health and psychosocial outcomes, and little is known about whether gains in HRQoL are sustained over time.We aimed to describe the HRQoL and psychosocial outcomes of people with CF (PwCF) initiating TCT and explored changes in these outcomes up to 1 year after starting TCT. Method(s): This longitudinal study enrolled PwCF aged 14 and older who were followed at a large, combined pediatric and adult CF center. Questionnaires were administered within 6 months of initiating TCT (baseline) and 3, 6, and 12 months later. Study self-report measures evaluated were HRQoL (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised;CFQ-R), optimism, self-efficacy, medication-related beliefs (Medication Beliefs Questionnaire;MBQ), perceived social stigma of illness, and body image. Data were also collected from medical charts on measures of health and mental health screening. Four open-ended questionswere included at each timepoint to elicit qualitative data on experiences starting TCT. Longitudinal data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models for repeated measures. Result(s): Sixty-three adults and adolescents with CF completed the full set of surveys at baseline. Mean participant age was 30.0 +/- 14.2. Fifty-four percent identified as female, 43% as male, and 2% as nonbinary. Seventyfour percent had private insurance. Mean percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1pp) at baseline was 76.0 +/- 24.1%, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.9 +/- 3.1 kg/m2. At 12 months, mean FEV1pp was 80.8 +/- 21.9%, and mean BMI was 24.5 +/- 4.1 kg/m2. On standard measures used in CF mental health screening, mean baseline Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score was 3.4 +/- 3.5, and mean General Anxiety Disorder score was 3.4 +/- 3.7. Mean PHQ-9 (3.5 +/- 4.0) and GAD-7 (3.4 +/- 3.7) scores at 12 months were similar to baseline. We found no statistically significant differences between the survey time points in participants' physical, respiratory, or emotional functioning on the CFQ-R, but there was a significant change in social functioning ( p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change over time in optimism or selfefficacy, but there was a significant difference in CF medication beliefs between the four survey time points ( p = 0.008 for MBQ Importance subscale), with a decrease in perceived importance from baseline to 12 months. Conclusion(s): Whereas lung function and BMI increased in our sample by 12 months, similar improvementswere not seen in standard mental health outcomes. There was no change over time in physical, respiratory, or emotional functioning, optimism, or self-efficacy. Only CFQ-R social functioning had changed by 12 months, perhaps reflecting decreased COVID-related social isolation. There was also a change in medicationrelated beliefs, with a decrease in perceived importance of taking CF medications at 12 months. Future directions include conducting qualitative analyses of open-ended questions and further examining data on social stigma, motivation to take medications, and body image, as well as examining relationships between outcome variables and baseline FEV1 and BMICopyright © 2022, European Cystic Fibrosis Society. All rights reserved

History repeats itself: an ethic for two pandemics

The emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the 1980s brought ethical conflicts that meant a bioethics challenge. Among others, issues of confidentiality, stigmatization, justice, duty of care and investigation arose. Bioethical reflection had been focused on conflicts involving respect for individual autonomy, nevertheless HIV highlighted the needs of the community. Almost four decades later, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the ethical conflicts typical of public health back to the bioethical scene. Quarantines, various restrictions on mobility, the obligation of masks, poorly protected health care, rationing of scarce resources, rushed research, the vaccines allocation, stigmatization and discrimination, the immune passport, or the moralization of infectious disease have highlighted the need for an ethical framework that helps to reflect and justify public health decisions. In this article we review and analyze the ethical conflicts that arose with HIV and how they have reappeared and been reinterpreted with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stigma and posttraumatic growth among COVID-19 survivors during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Contracting COVID-19 can cause negative and distressing psychological sequelae, but traumatic stressors may also facilitate the development of positive psychological change beyond an individual's previous level of adaptation, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). As a result, studies have investigated the negative effects of COVID-19 on mental health, but data on PTG among patients who have recovered from COVID-19 remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the level of PTG and its associations with stigma, psychological complications, and sociodemographic factors among COVID-19 patients 6 months post-hospitalization. Method: A cross-sectional online survey of 152 COVID-19 patients was conducted after 6 months of being discharged from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, MAEPS Quarantine Center, or Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. Patients completed a set of questionnaires on sociodemographic and clinical data. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-SF) was used to assess the level of PTG, the Kessler Psychological Distress (K6) was used to measure the degree of psychological distress, the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) was used to evaluate the severity of anxiety symptoms, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of depression symptoms, and the Explanatory Model Interview Catalog Stigma Scale (EMIC-SS) was used to record the degree of perceived stigma toward COVID-19. Results: The median PTGI SF score of the respondents was 40.0 (Interquartile range 16.0). Multivariable general linear model with bootstrapping (2,000 replications) revealed factors that significantly predicted PTG, which were at the higher level of the perceived stigma score, at 37 (B = 0.367, 95% CI = 0.041 to 0.691, p = 0.026), among the Malay ethnicity (B = 12.767, 95% CI 38 = 7.541 to 17.993, p < 0.001), retirees (B = -12.060, 95% CI = -21.310 to -2.811, p = 0.011), and those with a history of medical illness (B = 4.971, 95% CI = 0.096 to 9.845, p = 0.046). Conclusion: Experiencing stigma contributed to patients' PTG in addition to psychosocial factors such as ethnicity, history of medical illness, and retirement.

Nurses' experiences of the social stigma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Background: One of the psychological issues that health personnel face when treating COVID-19 patients is the societal stigma. This issue has not been addressed due to the disease's devastating impact on numerous sectors of society. This study aimed to evaluate nurses' experiences of social stigma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with a qualitative approach. Methods: Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to conduct this qualitative research. COVID ward nurses who had been subjected to social stigma were chosen as the study sample. Data were collected through semi-structured and individual interviews and were concurrently analysed using the conventional content analysis approach recommended by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: There are three categories and six sub-categories of social stigma experienced by nurses: (1) paradoxical emotions (psychological stress and positive attitude), (2) abandonment (all-round rejection and isolation) and (3) coping strategies (self-awareness over time and the influential role of the media). Conclusions: The findings of this study can help healthcare managers to improve the quality of care by enhancing understanding of the psychological needs arising from social stigma. Based on these findings, designing psychosocial interventions related to stigma can promote the mental health of this group and their families.

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Adherence of Hiv Patients

Background and Importance In 2020 Spain was involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This situation entailed in the dispensing of drugs from pharmacy services to patients' homes. This way of reaching the patient facilitated the access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in this difficult situation. However, due to the social stigmas, certain patients did not consent to access this dispensing system. Aim and Objectives The objective is to study how adherence to antiretroviral treatment was affected in HIV-positive patients during the months of the first alarm state in Spain (March 14 to June 21 2020);because during those period ART was home dispensation. Material and Methods Observational retrospective study, included patients HIV-positive who received ART during the first alarm state in Spain during COVID-19 pandemic and in the same period of 2019. Collected data were: sex, age and variables related to pharmacological treatment (ART in the selected periods, number of dispensations made, galenic units dispensed). To measure adherence, an indirect method was used, comparing the dispensations made in the hospital pharmacy of the hospital of Leon during the studied period and the same dates of the previous year. % adherence = [dispensed galenic units/planned galenic units] x100 Results We analyse 444 patients with a median age of 54 years (45-59) being 77.93% (n=346) men. During the study period 83 patients (18.69%) changed their ART. 38.55% (n=32) carried out a simplification of ART in 2020 (from a treatment based on several pharmaceutical forms to a treatment based on a single one). The mean adherence in the periods studied in 2019 and 2020 was 91.89% (CI 90.44-92.90) and 90.25% (CI 87.61- 92.90), respectively. In 2019, 67.12% (n=298) of patients had adherence greater than 95%, compared to 86.71% (n=385) in 2020. For 38 patients there are no medication dispensations during the 2020 period. Of the majority (n=27) the reason for the absence is unknown;6 were not disposed of from the hospital of Leon for spending the confinement outside the city;4 have died and 1 did not accept home dispensation. Conclusion and Relevance The implementation of home dispensing could have positively influenced adherence in HIVpositive patients. It is necessary to evaluate in the future that the implementation of new telepharmacy programmes can have a positive influence on adherence.

Social Stigma and Suffering: Perceptions, Practices and Impacts around COVID-19 in Bangladesh

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a global concern due to the unprecedented catastrophe it has brought about. Social stigma around COVID-19 has become another concern in many areas. This study employs a qualitative approach in analyzing and discussing cultural perceptions and experiences of social stigma and suffering around COVID-19 in Bangladesh. This paper argues that socio-cultural and religious practices and various new metaphors in day-to-day linguistic usage around COVID-19 created and shaped social stigma with social suffering for the suspected, infected, associated, and even recovered individuals and groups. The findings show that stigmatization around COVID-19 takes place due to fear of infection, perceived loss of social status, discrimination in social life, and exclusion from standard health services, all of which need to be addressed in health and related policies in the future. © OpenEditions Journals. All Rights Reserved.

Domestic violence in developing countries: An evidence from Bangladesh

Women all over the world face a multitude of issues daily. Unfortunately, one of the most common and tragic concerns that women face, especially those in third world countries, is domestic violence. This research paper has tried to find out and analyze the trend of domestic violence during this current period of lockdown and social distancing measures, which the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated. During our investigations, a few variables intrigued us;these variables do not lead to a simple, uncomplicated conclusion on the occurrence of domestic violence. On the contrary, the pool of 350 respondents (especially from urban areas), which include homemakers and working women alike, education was one such variable that played a pivotal role in preventing domestic violence. Another variable was the effect of social stigma;because many women have internalized the impact of spousal and familial abuse, most of them find it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to speak up about the struggles they face. We have made use of logistic regression models to verify the independent variables and their validity.

"just one more thing on our plate that makes it undesirable to be around": African americans' experiences during covid-19

As a historically marginalized group, African Americans experience social stigma resulting from the legacies of slavery and discrimination. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents unique challenges for African Americans in coping with pandemic-related stigma, specifically with implications for disease testing, treatment, and spread. This research focused on African Americans' experiences with social stigma during COVID-19. A diverse group of twenty-six African American adults participated in this study, which was guided by the social stigma frameworks of Goffman (1963) and Link and Phelan (2001). Thematic analysis of data suggests that participants expressed that COVID-19 created another layer of stigma and discrimination to manage. Additionally, participants viewed media and public health reports as further stigmatizing Black communities. Participants also reported urgency and responsibility for their well-being and agency in developing opinions on COVID-19 information. Findings offer insight into health communication approaches to address COVID-related stigma in public health messaging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Conspectus of SARS-CoV-2-In India

COVID-19 has created much concern among general public, policy makers and especially heath care workers. The reason is not one but varied such as anxiety, fear, compromised health, isolation, economic crisis and social stigma all of which leads to psychological stress. The disease became a global concern due to unmanageable death even in much developed countries. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a newly discovered disease caused by coronavirus which reside both in humans and animals. The article is a detailed review from the origin of the disease, its progression in India and its various other aspects.Copyright © 2023, Informatics Publishing Limited and Society for Biocontrol Advancement. All rights reserved.

The changes in smoking stigmatization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the changes in smoking stigmatization in relation to an individual's smoking status after the COVID-19 outbreak. Study design: A 2 (before vs. after COVID-19) X 2 (smoking status: smoker vs. non-smoker) factorial design was developed. Methods: Two national surveys were conducted, one each before (between January 7th and 15th, 2020) and after (between January 26th and February 18th, 2021) the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. A total of 7296 representative adult responses were finalized. Respondents were categorized into two groups: non-smokers and smokers. Smoking stigma was measured in two ways: social and personal. Results: In general, smoking stigmatization intensified after the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there was a discrepancy in responses based on smoking status-non-smokers exhibited a heightened negative stigma toward smokers, whereas smokers had generous perspectives about themselves. Conclusions: The health-oriented environment generated by the response to COVID-19 is leading to increased stigmatization of smokers who pose a risk to public health. However, the discrepancy between smokers and non-smokers shows that social efforts are required to alter smokers' generous views about themselves and to persuade them to cease smoking.

Psychological Responses to Coronavirus Disease 2019 amongst Healthcare Workers in South Africa during the Pandemic

Background: It is important to understand HCWs' (healthcare workers) psychological responses to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as theare exposed to the virus on a daily basis. This study helps identify some of the challenges they face. Aim: The overall aim of the study was to investigate psychological responses to COVID-19, including vaccinations and stressors, amongst healthcarHCWs in South Africa during the pandemic. Setting: HCWs who worked in private and state hospitals and private practice in Tshwane, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design was used. Several standardised and validated questionnaires were used in the surveincluding the Coronavirus-19 Fear Scale, the COVID-19-related stigma scale and the COVID-19 stress scale. A purposive sample (N=103) waanalysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Results: There were 103 completed questionnaires. Many (76% and 54%) either knew someone close who contracted COVID or died from COVID-19respectively. Most (58%) were in favour of being vaccinated. A significant proportion (42%;p= 0.009) of the HCWs felt uncomfortable whethinking about COVID. Physical reactions such as sweating, or a pounding heart were reported by 17% of the HCWs. A majority of the HCWdisagreed with any form of stigmatization of COVID-19. Most of the HCWs expressed a need for mental health support during the COVID-1pandemic. About three-quarters of the respondents expressed a need to talk to someone about their worries about COVID-19. Conclusion: Most of the respondents either knew someone who either contracted COVID-19 or died because of it. Many experienced anxiety symptoms whethinking about COVID-19. Many HCWs reported anxiety and stress symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations, sweating and difficultconcentrating. An overwhelming majority of the HCWs stated that people should not be discriminated against or stigmatized in any way because oCOVID-19. The majority of the HCWs expressed a need for psychological support during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 20% of the HCWwere against being vaccinated. This is worrisome as they are at high risk. The HCWs clearly expressed a need for more attention and supportowards their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2023 Nel et al.

Stigma against health care providers caring for COVID-19 patients in Turkey

Health care providers (HCPs) worldwide have been a common target for stigmatization during widespread infections, such as COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to highlight the prevalence of stigmatization during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCPs in Turkey using the Stigma COVID-19 HCPs instrument (S19-HCPs). Descriptive design. The S19-HCPs is a self-administered, web-based survey (24 items) developed previously. The internal consistency of the S19-HCPs' Turkish version was satisfactory (alpha = 0.79). Test-retest correlations were all statistically significant for the Turkish version of the instrument (ICC = 0.90, p0.01). Most study participants were 20-30 years old (77%);among the respondents, 66% had worked in a COVID-19-designated facility. Stigma against HCPs is highly prevalent in Turkey. The outcomes of this study revealed substantial levels of HCP stigmatization in Turkey irrespective of their motivation to work with COVID-19 patients. Education, media, and awareness campaigns might play a critical role in addressing global stigmatization issues.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.