Frontiers in Psychiatry (Jul 2023)

Beyond physical health: the role of psychosocial challenges and stigma in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic—A scoping review

  • Lakshit Jain,
  • Lakshit Jain,
  • Siddhi Bhivandkar,
  • Huma Baqir,
  • Sheikh Shoib,
  • Nirav Nimavat,
  • Anmol Mohan,
  • Aarij Shakil Zubair,
  • Muhammad Youshay Jawad,
  • Nazar Muhammed,
  • Rizwan Ahmed,
  • Vishi Sachdeva,
  • Saeed Ahmed

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1180252
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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BackgroundThe socio-cultural response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the level of adherence to evidence-based guidelines played a crucial role in determining the morbidity and mortality outcomes during the pandemic. This review aims to evaluate the impact of stigma and psycho-socio-cultural challenges on efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify ways to mitigate such challenges in future pandemics.MethodsUsing keywords including COVID-19, coronavirus, stigma, psychosocial challenges, and others, the authors searched seven major databases with a time limitation of July 2021, which yielded 2,038 results. Out of these, 15 papers were included in this review.ResultsThe findings of the review indicated that several psychosocial, socio-economic, and ethno-cultural factors are linked to the transmission and control of COVID-19. The research revealed that stigma and related psychosocial challenges and others, such as anxiety, fear, and stigma-driven social isolation, have resulted in significant mental health problems.DiscussionThe review underscores the negative impact of stigma on COVID-19 patients, survivors, and the general population. Addressing stigma and psychosocial challenges is crucial to effectively manage the current pandemic and to prevent similar challenges during future public health crises.

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