Social Avoidance and Stigma Among Healthcare Workers Serving COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study investigated the social impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers and their relationships with their families and relatives. Data were collected from a sample of 226 healthcare workers (HCWs) using an analytical cross-sectional design. The data extracted three factors: communication impairment, social avoidance, stigma, and personal deprivation and distress, rated as severe, moderate, and moderate, respectively. The results showed that HCWs’ social and personal lives were significantly affected, ranging from predominantly moderate to highly severe. The variability of the three factors coordinated with marital status and working hours showed a mixed pattern. Discontinued workgroups are more affected by communication impairments, social avoidance, and stigma, less emotional and personal deprivation. HCWs with lower levels of education suffer more severe impacts of working with COVID-19 patients than those with higher educational levels. The study highlights the social impact of working with the COVID-19 patients on healthcare workers and the need for more social support and institutional support.