Experiences of Stigma, Discrimination, and Violence and their Impact on Mental Health of Health care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemics

Abstract

Abstract Background Health care workers have been exposed to COVID-19 more than other professions, which may have caused stigmatization towards them, possibly impacting their mental health. This study aimed to explore experiences of health care workers with stigmatization, discrimination, and violence and their association with psychological distress and depression. Method This cross-sectional study conducted a survey among total of 4,938 health care workers in years 2020 (n = 1,731), 2021 (n = 1,809) and 2022 (n = 1,398). We used a combination of quantitative logistic regression and qualitative content analysis of open-ended questions. Results Experiencing stigmatization and discrimination was the highest at the first peak of the pandemic and then slightly decreased, whereas experiencing violence was highest in the latest data collection. Potential predictors of stigmatization, discrimination, and violence included exposure to COVID-19, demographic variables (gender, age), and profession. Participants with higher experience with stigmatization, discrimination, and violence were more likely to report psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Particularly, this association was highest for psychological distress in the early wave (odds ratio = 2.97, 95% confidence interval 2.27–3.88) and for depression in the middle wave (odds ratio = 2.78, 95% confidence interval 2.12–3.64). Conclusion Attention should be paid to destigmatization of contagious diseases and prevention of discrimination, violence, and mental health problems, both within workplaces and among the public.