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Public Stigma of COVID-19 and Its Correlates in the General Population of China

Author

Listed:
  • Tian-Ming Zhang

    (Department of Social Work, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Qi Fang

    (School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China)

  • Hao Yao

    (Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China)

  • Mao-Sheng Ran

    (Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the profile of COVID-19-related public stigma and its correlates in the general population of China. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China from 7 May to 25 May in 2020. A total of 1212 participants from the general population completed the survey measuring their stigmatizing attitudes towards COVID-19, as well as knowledge and causal attributions of COVID-19. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the correlates of COVID-19-related public stigma. A total of 31.8% of participants endorsed stigmatization towards people with COVID-19. Those who were of older age (t = −3.97, p < 0.001), married (F = 3.04, p < 0.05), had a lower level of education (F = 8.11, p < 0.001), and a serious psychological response (F = 3.76, p < 0.05) reported significantly higher scores of public stigma. Dangerousness ( B = 0.047, p < 0.001), fear ( B = 0.059, p < 0.001), anger ( B = 0.038, p < 0.01), and responsibility ( B = 0.041, p < 0.001) were positively associated with public stigma. This study shows that public stigma related to COVID-19 is prevalent in the general population of China. Actions against public stigma need to contain the spread of misinformation about COVID-19, alter inappropriate attributions, alleviate unfavorable reactions, and provide psychosocial support for the public.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian-Ming Zhang & Qi Fang & Hao Yao & Mao-Sheng Ran, 2021. "Public Stigma of COVID-19 and Its Correlates in the General Population of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11718-:d:674454
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Duan, Wenjie & Bu, He & Chen, Zheng, 2020. "COVID-19-related stigma profiles and risk factors among people who are at high risk of contagion," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    2. Elena Marbán-Castro & Ana Villén-Gonzalvo & Cristina Enguita-Fernàndez & Anna Marín-Cos & Clara Menéndez & Maria Maixenchs & Azucena Bardají, 2020. "Uncertainties, Fear and Stigma: Perceptions of Zika Virus among Pregnant Women in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Tenkorang, Eric Y., 2017. "Ebola-related stigma in Ghana: Individual and community level determinants," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 142-149.
    4. Lindsay Y. Dhanani & Berkeley Franz, 2020. "Unexpected public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey examining anti-Asian attitudes in the USA," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(6), pages 747-754, July.
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    2. Seonwoo Kang & Jungsuk Kang, 2022. "Age Differences in Psychological Antecedents and Behavioral Consequences of Stigmatization Associated with COVID-19 among Koreans," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Jounghwa Choi & Kyung-Hee Kim, 2022. "The Differential Consequences of Fear, Anger, and Depression in Response to COVID-19 in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, May.

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