Racial and ethnic differences in the associations between COVID-19 stigma and mental health in a population-based study of adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Recommended Citation
Ryu S, Guro P, Hirschtick JL, Orellana RC, Fleischer NL. Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Associations Between COVID-19 Stigma and Mental Health in a Population-Based Study of Adults with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Health Equity. 2024;8(1):790-799. Published 2024 Dec 16. doi:10.1089/heq.2023.0241
Abstract
Introduction:Many individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) faced stigmatization, which may contribute to poor health. However, very few studies have explored the relationship between COVID-19 stigma and health, and even less is known about differences in the relationship by race and ethnicity. This article examines associations between COVID-19 stigma and mental health overall and by race and ethnicity.
Methods:We used a population-based probability sample of Michigan adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and May 2022. We captured COVID-19 stigma based on perceived COVID-19 stigma, fear of COVID-19 disclosure to friends or family, and fear of COVID-19 disclosure at work. We conducted modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors to estimate associations of COVID-19 stigma with depressive and anxiety symptoms adjusting for confounding factors.
Results:Individuals who experienced perceived COVID-19 stigma had 1.44 times higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.23-1.69) and 1.48 times higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms (95% CI: 1.30-1.69) compared with individuals who did not experience perceived stigma. Moreover, individuals who were afraid to disclose their COVID-19 diagnosis to friends or family, or who were afraid to disclose their diagnosis at work, had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, compared with those who were not afraid. These associations were more pronounced among racial and ethnic minoritized individuals than non-Hispanic White individuals.
Discussion:COVID-19 stigma was associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. There is a critical need to examine long-lasting effects of stigma, particularly among racial and ethnic minoritized individuals.
Document Type
Article
PubMed ID
40125380
