J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2022 Aug;29(3):350-362. 10.7739/jkafn.2022.29.3.350.

Experiences of Stigma among People Infected with COVID-19 in South Korea

• Yeom S
• Kang NE
• Park KY

• KMID: 2533163
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2022.29.3.350

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to obtain a deep understanding of experiences of stigma among people infected with COVID-19 in South Korea. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews from March 2021 to November 2021 with nine people who had been infected with COVID-19. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: Six theme clusters emerged from participants' stigma experiences: “I've become the coronavirus itself”, “a desperate defense to protect myself”, “pointing a finger at oneself”, “a scapegoat for the public interest”, “the aftereffects caused by social prejudice” and “an isolated loner”. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that people infected with COVID-19 suffered considerable emotional distress and were hindered in their daily life recovery due to stigma. Based on this study, medical staff who treat patients infected with COVID-19 should understand their stigma in depth and strive to develop and implement the necessary instruments and nursing intervention programs to reduce this stigma.

Keyword

COVID-19; Patients; Qualitative research; Social stigma; 코로나바이러스감염증-19; 코로나확진자; 질적연구; 낙인