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Stigmatization from Work-Related COVID-19 Exposure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Author

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  • Melanie Schubert

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Julia Ludwig

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Alice Freiberg

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Taurai Monalisa Hahne

    (Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Karla Romero Starke

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
    Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Thüringer Weg 9, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany)

  • Maria Girbig

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

  • Gudrun Faller

    (Department of Community Health, Hochschule für Gesundheit, 44801 Bochum, Germany)

  • Christian Apfelbacher

    (Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Olaf von dem Knesebeck

    (Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Andreas Seidler

    (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany)

Abstract

Stigmatization from work-related COVID-19 exposure has not been investigated in detail yet. Therefore, we systematically searched three databases: Medline, Embase, and PsychInfo (until October 2020), and performed a grey literature search (until February 2021). We identified 46 suitable articles from 24 quantitative and 11 qualitative studies, 6 systematic reviews, 3 study protocols and 1 intervention. The assessment of stigmatization varied widely, ranging from a single-item question to a 22-item questionnaire. Studies mostly considered perceived self-stigma (27 of 35 original studies) in healthcare workers (HCWs) or hospital-related jobs (29 of 35). All articles reported on stigmatization as a result of work-related COVID-19 exposure. However, most quantitative studies were characterized by convenience sampling (17 of 24), and all studies—also those with an adequate sampling design—were considered of low methodological quality. Therefore, it is not possible to determine prevalence of stigmatization in defined occupational groups. Nevertheless, the work-related stigmatization of occupational groups with or without suspected contact to COVID-19 is a relevant problem and increases the risk for depression (odds ratio (OR) = 1.74; 95% confidence interval CI 1.29–2.36) and anxiety (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.29–2.37). For promoting workers’ health, anti-stigma strategies and support should be implemented in the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie Schubert & Julia Ludwig & Alice Freiberg & Taurai Monalisa Hahne & Karla Romero Starke & Maria Girbig & Gudrun Faller & Christian Apfelbacher & Olaf von dem Knesebeck & Andreas Seidler, 2021. "Stigmatization from Work-Related COVID-19 Exposure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6183-:d:570752
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Eirini-Christina Saloniki & Agnes Turnpenny & Grace Collins & Catherine Marchand & Ann-Marie Towers & Shereen Hussein, 2022. "Abuse and Wellbeing of Long-Term Care Workers in the COVID-19 Era: Evidence from the UK," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Katarzyna Wałowska & Jan Domaradzki, 2023. "Superheroes or Super Spreaders? The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Attitudes towards Nurses: A Qualitative Study from Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.

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