Learning about COVID-19-related stigma, quarantine and isolation experiences in Finland

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has intensely changed the everyday lives of people worldwide. This study explores the forms and outcomes of coronavirus and COVID-19-related social stigma and the experiences of people who were home quarantined or isolated in Finland during the spring 2020. The findings of this study can be used to improve support for those quarantined or isolated and to develop strategies to reduce the stigma associated with coronavirus and COVID-19. Methods The study is based on qualitative one-to-one interviews with households with at least two members and at least one PCR confirmed COVID-19 case. Recruitment took place via website or SMS messages sent to PCR confirmed cases in the capital area of Helsinki. Sampling was based on maximum variation to acquire different types of respondents. The framework of health stigma was used to develop question guides and analyze stigma. Quarantine and isolation experiences were explored through open-ended questions. The analysis was based on thematic analysis. Results The study included 64 participants from 24 households. Perceived stigma among respondents was driven by fear and blame for infection, and it manifested in various ways leading to a reluctance to disclose their coronavirus status to others. Self-stigma developed from conflicting information and advice about coronavirus and COVID-19 led to difficulties interacting with others outside of the house and reluctance to meet people after quarantine and isolation. Quarantine and isolation experiences included uncertainty, health concerns, and boredom. Communication with others in similar situations was perceived vital, whereas discussions with family members about worries and fears related to coronavirus and COVID-19 was not preferred. Conclusions This study shed light on the lives of those quarantined or isolated at home and provided a set of operational recommendations to minimize coronavirus and COVID-19-associated stigma and to reduce challenges faced by those in quarantine or isolation.

Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Worry: Stigma, Knowledge, and News Source

“…The association between endorsement of COVID-19 stigmatizing restrictions and worry about contracting the disease is consistent with recent studies showing the negative impact of COVID-19 stigma on taking recommended public health actions, and the notion that stigmatization and fear of infection are closely related. In a qualitative study of Finland households with at least one confirmed case of COVID-19, perceived stigma among respondents was a product of fear and blame for infection, which manifested in reticence to disclose their COVID-19 status to others [70]. Similarly, a study in Malawi found that those who perceived stigma associated with COVID-19 were less likely to seek a test for the virus [71].…”

The effect of remote peer support on stigma in patients after breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…[ 13 ] It has negative effects throughout the whole process from diagnosis to the end of treatment, [ 12 ] and to a certain extent, it will hinder patients from actively seeking medical treatment, making them to conceal their conditions and delay treatment. [ 14 ] Especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine and lockdown measures were often used to control the spread of the epidemic, which also limited people's activities to a certain extent, [ 15 ] making it more difficult to address the stigma of patients after breast cancer surgery face to face. Therefore, it is necessary to find an effective solution.…”

Mothers’ experience of caring for home-quarantined children after close contact with COVID-19 in Korea: an exploratory qualitative study

“…A previous study in Greece reported that, people had negative experiences similar to posttraumatic stress but a positive experience of posttraumatic growth was possible through an individual's inner coping ability in COVID-19 pandemic [41]. After the experience in 2-week home quarantine, which became a turning point in discovering the importance of daily life that they were unaware of, people also became to appreciate the meaning of living a healthy life for family and living with others [35,42].…”

“…Second, according to the results of a study on quarantine experiences conducted in India, a person with COVID-19 positive has a dual burden not only of physical health problems but also of social stigma from the public [34]. Also, in the study of Lohiniva et al [35], a history of COVID-19 infection has led to difficulties in going out of the house or interacting with people after quarantine. This was also noted in our study, with some who isolated themselves from outside completely, stating, "I could not even go to the supermarket" or "We just decided to quarantine at home together. "…”