Stigma and Discrimination Against COVID-19 Positive Patients in Bangladesh: A Comparative Qualitative Study of Non-Vaccinated and Vaccinated Patients

Abstract

Abstract Historically, pandemics have often led to the stigmatization and discrimination of those affected. Despite some studies detailing the stigmatized experiences of COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable absence of comparative research exploring the experiences of vaccinated and non-vaccinated COVID-19 survivors across different pandemic phases. This study aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively examining the stigma and discrimination encountered by both vaccinated and non-vaccinated COVID-19 survivors in Bangladesh. Employing a comparative qualitative case study approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 22 COVID-19-positive individuals, comprising 13 interviews from the initial wave (between July 26 and August 12, 2020) and 9 interviews during the ongoing wave (between October 10, 2022, and April 10, 2023) of the pandemic in Bangladesh. Recruitment was facilitated through a targeted social media campaign, and a purposive sampling technique was applied. Interviews were predominantly held via telephone and online platforms. Subsequently, a thorough transcription of all interviews was carried out, followed by an in-depth thematic analysis. The findings highlight critical factors contributing to stigma and discrimination towards COVID-19-positive patients in Bangladesh, including the fear of death, infection, disease control measures (such as lockdowns, public announcements, and testing protocols), and individual experiences with COVID-19 testing. Notably, non-vaccinated participants conveyed a range of evolving experiences linked to COVID-19-related stigma and discrimination, differing from their vaccinated counterparts. The study also reveals that enhanced social support and normalized perceptions of COVID-19 played pivotal roles in mitigating stigma and discrimination. The insights gleaned from this study are poised to significantly inform healthcare policymakers in their efforts to devise effective pandemic control and management strategies. Moreover, by comprehending the socio-psychological nuances of stigmatization, this research offers novel perspectives for crafting policies that address emerging pandemic-related stigma in Bangladesh.