Aim: To study stigmatization of healthcare workers due to COVID-19 pandemic

Methodology: Using a cross-sectional study, a total of 134 healthcare workers were approached at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. An interview based, pre-tested, semi-constructed questionnaire consisting of both open and close ended questions were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Out of 134 healthcare workers, 40.3% were male and 59.7% were female. Distribution among doctors and nurses was 60.4% and 39.6% respectively. 51.5% of healthcare workers felt stigmatized due to working in the COVID-19 pandemic. 69.4% of healthcare workers knew of other people who faced similar stigmatization due to their exposure to COVID-19. Almost each age group and specialty faced such stigmatization.

Conclusion: This study helped in understanding the stigma healthcare workers had to face during COVID-19 Pandemic which lead to significant distress and suffering for the healthcare workers.

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, stigmatization, healthcare workers