Community acceptance of COVID-19 and demystifying stigma in a severely affected population in Ghana

Abstract

Objective: We assessed the level of community acceptance of COVID-19, identified and implemented strategies to demystifying stigma in a severely affected population in Tema.Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess stigma among the Tema community, then identified and implemented interventions to demystify COVID-19 stigma. We interviewed positive cases, their contacts, contact tracers, case management team members, and community members who shared their first hand experiences and knowledge on the current pandemic.Intervention: Based on the information received, we came up with ways of reducing stigma and implemented them in their community.Main Outcome: Stigma demystifiedResults: Cases and contacts reported being avoided, discriminated against, insulted or had derogatory words used on them by family, friends, work colleagues or the community. Cases and their contacts stated that stigmatisation was fueled by the presence of COVID -19 branded vehicles and security officials at their homes or workplaces. Stakeholder engagement, education and extensive sensitisation of community members were implemented to reduce stigma.Conclusion: We observed deeply entrenched stigma to COVID - 19 positive patients and their contacts in the community. Health care response mechanisms such as the presence of security personnel with contact tracers and case managers and the use of COVID -19 branded vehicles fueled stigma. A multifaceted approach through the engagement of key stakeholders, training of health workers and extensive education and community sensitisation was essential in reducing stigma.

Stigma and discrimination tendencies towards COVID-19 survivors: Evidence from a nationwide population-based survey in Ghana

“…The storm-like outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID- 19), which began in Wuhan, China in late 2019, has had a huge impact on human health; infecting millions of people; causing severe disease and associated long-term sequelae; resulting in several deaths and excess mortality worldwide [1]. The outbreak has since created fear and panic among the populace, which has led to an increase in acts of stigma, discrimination, and xenophobia towards people associated with the disease [2,3].…”

“…Empirical studies that have been conducted in Ghana on COVID-19 related stigma include those by Adom et al [16], Atinga et al [17], Lamptey et al [18] and Bandoh et al [19]. The authors argued that COVID-19 stigma is mainly meted out to survivors and their contacts, including being avoided, having derogatory words used on them, or being discriminated against by their friends and community members.…”

An Ethnographic Study of Multiple Factors Influencing Perceptions, Attitudes, and Observance of COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Rural and Urban Slum Dwellers in Ghana

“…Family and community values are derogatory to speak ill of the dead and it is shameful for a family member to die from COVID-19-related causes which contributed to denial among persons whose relatives died from COVID-19. Similarly, the fear of stigmatization among family members about having a relative recovering from diseases such as COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS has been noted in other studies [42,43]. Bandoh et al [43] noted that even those who tested positive for COVID-19 were unwilling to isolate for fear of stigmatization on them and their family members.…”

Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience among Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors: A Gendered Analysis

“…The COVID-19 Stigma Scale (CSS) was adapted from the existing 12-item HIV Stigma Scale short-form version [ 46 ] developed to assess stigma, including personalized/enacted stigma, perceived concerns about public attitudes, and negative self-image. The study focused on personalized/enacted stigma and perceived concerns about public attitudes, as it was reasoned that they appeared more relevant in the context of COVID-19 [ 47 ]. The scale was modified by indicating “coronavirus” or “diagnosed and treated for coronavirus” in place of HIV.…”