The model to reduce social stigma against COVID-19 patients in the community: A Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2022.64Keywords:
COVID–19, social stigma, social network participation, research and developmentAbstract
This research and development aimed to study a model for reducing social stigma against COVID-19 patients in the community by case study. The process consists of four steps: 1) the study of the problem of social stigma; 2) the development of the model; 3) the application of the model; 4) the effect of using the model. Data were collected from a total of 16 COVID-19 patients who had fully recovered and were recuperating at home. All samples were purposive sampling. Study tools included in-depth interview, stress assessment, and resilience and social stigma questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The results revealed that 1) the model has an important strategy as follows: Organizing a variety of proactive activities to build knowledge, enhance understanding of COVID-19, change social attitudes about COVID-19, and reduce bias in interactions with people who have been sick to ensure stigma-free coexistence. In addition, the knowledge about COVID-19 was also provided through the broadcasting tower in the village and the use of mobile unit (similar to that of the campaign of local politicians). This public awareness campaign was further strengthened by public health volunteers going from door to door to educate villagers and putting up publicity signs in front of the village to show love and concerns for each other. A Happiness Center was established in the village to serve as a coordination center for assistance and consultation. Furthermore, following discharge, home visits were regularly conducted by hospital staff. 2) After using the model, it was found that the sample group had higher resilience and lower stress and social stigma. When comparing the mean scores, there was a statistically significant difference of 0.05. Therefore, the model can help reduce social stigma and, in turn, also helps to reduce conflicts in the community, thereby restoring happiness and normal coexistence faster.
References
Nawamawat J, Sittisart V, Lekphet K, Thianthawon P. The village health volunteers and community involvement on prevention and surveillance the COVID 19 infection in the community by using the geographic information system. 1st ed. Nakhon Sawan: Boromarajonani College of Nursing; 2021. (in Thai)
Department of Disease Control (TH). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation, public health measures and problems in preventing and controlling diseases in travelers [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Jul 3]. Available from: https://ddc.moph.go.th/uploads/files/2017420210820025238.pdf (in Thai)
Declare a state of emergency in all localities throughout the Kingdom. (2020, March 25). Government Gazette,137(69d), 1. (in Thai)
Tipyoi A. Public policy communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis of the broadcasting station of Thailand [thesis]. Phayao: Phayao University; 2018. (in Thai)
Photak Hospital (TH). COVID-19 situation report [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Jul 22]. Available from: https://photakhospital.com/ (in Thai)
Pho Tak District Office (TH). Report follows progress of situation Corona Virus 2019 in local. In: Srichompoo T. Minutes meeting Committee improve the quality of life of Pho Tak District. Tak: Pho Tak District Office; 2021.
Wongpiromsan Y. Mental health operations under the COVID-19 crisis of Thailand. Journal of Mental Health of Thailand. 2020;28(4):280-91. (in Thai)
Bangkok Hospital (TH). Psychiatrist advises stress management to cope with COVID-19 not to get sick [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2021 Jun 22]. Available from: https://www.bangkokhospital.com/content/psychiatric-guidance-on-stress-management-trading-covid-19 (in Thai)
Thanirat S, Radabutr M, Wichianrat S, Opasawatchai S. Strategies to relieve a social stigma on COVID-19. Kuakarun Journal of Nursing. 2021;27(2):164-74. (in Thai)
Silpakit O. Srithanya's stress measurement form. Journal of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand. 2008;16(3):177-85. (in Thai)
Suchanan J. Education and community development. Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai University; 2006. (in Thai)
Phiriyasart F, Chantutanon S, Salaeh F, Roka A, Thepparat T, Gaesaman S, et al. Outbreak investigation of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) among islamic missionaries in southern Thailand. OSIR journal. 2020;13(2):48-54. (in Thai)
Sakdirat N, Siripraiwan S. Investigation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, Waeng district, Narathiwat province. Journal of Narathiwat Rajanagarindra University. 2021;13(2):142-60. (in Thai)
IFRC, UNICEF, World Health Organization. Social Stigma associated with COVID-19 [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Jul 9]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/documents/social-stigma-associated-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Chobpradit S. How does the COVID-19 crisis affect social change Journal of Chaiyaphum Review. 2020;3(2):1-14. (in Thai)
Wudhiwong K. Preventative Measures to Reduce Social Stigma in Universities in Thailand during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Payap University Journal. 2020;30(2):1-2. (in Thai)
Bailey B. Dominican American ethnic/racial identities and United States Social categories. Int. Migrate.2001;35:677-708.
Poonaklom P, Rungram V, Abthaisong P, Piralam B. Factors associated with Preventive Behaviors towards coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among adults in Kalasin Province, Thailand. OSIR journal. 2020;13(3):78-89. (in Thai)
Department of Mental Health (TH). Mental Health Article: Stress [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 July 16]. Available from: https://www.dmh.go.th/news/view.asp?id=672 (in Thai)
Mora-Ríos J, Ortega-Ortega M, Medina-Mora M. E. Addiction-Related Stigma and Discrimination: A Qualitative Study in Treatment Centers in Mexico City. Substance Use & Misuse. 2017;52(5):594-603.
Goffman E. Stigma: notes on the management of spoiled identity. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall; 1963.
Nawsuwan K, Singweratham N, Waichompu N, Chayakul K. The Successful Implementation of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Community of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in Thailand. Princess of Naradhiwas University Journal. 2020;12(3):195-212. (in Thai)
Temudom R, Jaichuan S, Saisuwa K, Abthaison P, Piralam B. Development of a prevention model for corona virus infection 2019.by the participation of communities in Nakhon Phanom Province. Journal of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control at 7 Khon Kaen. 2021;28(1):1-13. (in Thai)
Kasl SV, Cobb S. Health Behavior, Illness Behavior, and Sick-Role Behavior. Arch Environ Health. 1996;12(4):531-41. (in Thai)
Pensirinapa N. Management for the development of public health. Nonthaburi: Sukhothai Thammathirat University; 2003. (in Thai)
Jinaporn A. People's opinions on the policy to prevent the spread of infectious disease Coronavirus (COVID-19) of the people of Ubon Ratchathani Province. 7th National Conference on Quality Management and Technology Innovation (Eastern University of Management and Technology); 2018, 424-34. (in Thai)
Wongpathomtip K. The participation in the zika virus disease prevention and control for health volunteers in Don Tum district, Nakhon Pathom province. Journal of the Office of DPC 7 Khon Kaen. 2017;24(2):59-67. (in Thai)
Department of Mental Health (TH). A Guide to Mental Health Aid Teams at All Levels: Crisis Victims in the Case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Sep 12]. Available from: https://www.dmh.go.th/covid19/news/files/MCATTupdate.pdf (in Thai)
Rungrut S, Maso S, Kadem Y. The Economic and Social impacts from the COVID-19 Pandemic toward the People in Yala city Municipality Yala Province. Journal of Social Science and Buddhistic Anthropology. 2020;6(2):161-74. (in Thai)
Nedsaengtip Y. Results of the Development of a Diabetic Patient Care System in the Health-Care Service Network of Kantang Hospital, Kantang district, Trang province. Journal of Health Systems Research. 2008;2(1):709-15. (in Thai)
Grotberg EH. Resilience for Today: Gaining Strength from Adversity. Greenwood: Praeger Publishers; 2003.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2022 Disease Control Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Articles published in the Disease Control Journal are considered as academic work, research or analysis of the personal opinion of the authors, not the opinion of the Thailand Department of Disease Control or editorial team. The authors must be responsible for their articles.
.png){kind=logo}
