Experiences of Stigma among People Infected with COVID-19 in South Korea
10.7739/jkafn.2022.29.3.350
- Author:
Seonmi YEOM
1
;
No Eul KANG
;
Keun Young PARK
Author Information
1. Graduate Student, College of Nursing, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing
2022;29(3):350-362
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to obtain a deep understanding of experiences of stigma among people infected with COVID-19 in South Korea. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews from March 2021 to November 2021 with nine people who had been infected with COVID-19. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: Six theme clusters emerged from participants' stigma experiences: “I've become the coronavirus itself”, “a desperate defense to protect myself”, “pointing a finger at oneself”, “a scapegoat for the public interest”, “the aftereffects caused by social prejudice” and “an isolated loner”. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that people infected with COVID-19 suffered considerable emotional distress and were hindered in their daily life recovery due to stigma. Based on this study, medical staff who treat patients infected with COVID-19 should understand their stigma in depth and strive to develop and implement the necessary instruments and nursing intervention programs to reduce this stigma.
