Stigma towards Chronically Ill Patients among Healthcare Workers Caring for COVID-19 Patients during the Outbreak in Jordan

Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to examine the stigma among HCWs towards chronically ill patients and to determine the predictors of stigma among HCWs for these patients. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among HCWs in Jordan. The HCWs included in the study were all above the age of 18 years and were involved with the care of COVID-19 patients. An anonymous online survey was disseminated to participants and included questions about demographic and work characteristics. Stigma was assessed based on a modified stigma-related questionnaire for COVID-19 patients. Results. A total of 686 surveys were collected and analyzed. The prevalence of stigma among HCWs towards chronic patients was 20%. Years of experience (B = −0.157 and $P=0.017$) and number of children for HCWs (B = 0.149 and $P=0.016$) are considered predictors for stigma towards chronic ill patients. As the years of experience increase, the stigma level decreases. Also, HCWs with more children show more stigma towards chronic illness patients. Moreover, there are no differences between HCWs from different specialties in stigma towards chronically ill patients. Conclusion and Implication. The findings of this study show some type of stigma towards patients with chronic disease by HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the present study may highlight the needs to develop an intervention that minimizes stigmatization and provides psychosocial support to HCWs.