COVID-19- Related Stigma in COVID-19 Survivors in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Background: COVID-19-related stigma is gradually becoming a global problem among COVID-19 survivors with far-reaching implications. However, this social problem has received little attention in research and policy. This study aimed at exploring the COVID-19-related stigma survivors in Kampala, Uganda Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory research design was used. COVID-19 survivors in Kampala district part of the study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data and analysis was done using thematic approach. Results: The results from the data showed that COVID-19-related stigma is prevalent and the common form of stigma was social rejection. Conclusions: The majority of the respondent in the sample endorsed COVID-19-related stigma and such behaviors were high in the community. The COVID-19 pandemic survivors indicated that they faced social rejection and community ostracism. Thus reducing COVID-19-related stigma is vital to control the spread of the virus. An all-inclusive effort is needed to address COVID-19-related stigma and its debilitating consequences by health workers and policy makers.