Stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic: Important but overlooked

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in march 2020 and has became a top priority for governments and health systems worldwide. The disease has severe consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality, significant economic impact and far-reaching social and cultural changes. These findings have led to increased efforts to study the disease, treat it, and respond to the economic consequences of the pandemic. However, the psychological consequences of the disease, including the widespread COVID -19 stigma, have been overlooked. COVID-19-related stigma threatens various groups, including patients, survivors, health care professionals, and other at-risk populations. The possibility of person-to-person transmission, high levels of ignorance about the disease, fear of ambiguity and lack of knowledge, and constant changes in relevant regulations and recommendations lead to the COVID -19 stigma. Stigmatization has many negative consequences: concealment of the disease, delay in seeking health services, refusal of preventive measures, stress, and related socioeconomic consequences. Therefore, the necessary measures in this regard should be considered. In particular, the spread of stigma should be prevented through measures to raise awareness and ensure access to reliable information.