Stigma is a major obstacle for people diagnosed with mental illness and this impacts the burden of the disease. This study compares the relationship between personal and social stigma in patients diagnosed with mental illness in two distinct Arab communities: the Bedouin in the Negev Desert in Israel and the Arabs of East Jerusalem. The sample consisted of 140 participants. Research instruments measuring self-stigma, social stigma, and social support were deployed. Positive correlation between personal and social stigma was found. Personal stigma was higher among Bedouins, while social stigma was higher among East Jerusalem Arabs.

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BackgroundMany medical personnel acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) while treating patients [1]. Dentists were no exception, due to their proximity to patient and the use of devices prone to produce spraying [2,3]. In light of this high occupational risk, dentists should consider every patient as infected [4], and should be aware of preventive strategies to protect themselves as well as their patients. The worldwide health regulatory authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) [5] and the American Dental Association (ADA) [6], devised and distributed new guidelines and information for dental staff to prevent transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These include strict adherence to modified personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, including use of impermeable gowns, goggles and/or face shields and respirators/surgical masks, in addition to standard precautions and patient management.