The association between Post-COVID syndrome and self-stigma among the adult Israeli population during the COVID-19 pandemic

TL;DR

This study finds that people with Post-COVID Syndrome in Israel are more likely to experience self-stigma related to COVID-19, highlighting the need for stigma reduction strategies.

Contribution

The study is the first to explore the link between Post-COVID Syndrome and self-stigma in the Israeli population.

Findings

A quarter of participants met criteria for Post-COVID Syndrome, and nearly 28% showed self-stigma.

PCS was significantly associated with higher self-stigma, even after adjusting for socio-economic factors.

Strategies to reduce stigma among PCS patients are urgently needed.

Abstract

In the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a novel condition, termed Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) has emerged, impacting a significant portion of the global population. Concurrently, the global impact of the virus has extended beyond physical health, leading to the emergence of COVID-19 related stigma. This study investigates the link between PCS and self-stigma, shedding light on this underexplored phenomenon.

To examine whether exposure to PCS is associated with higher levels of COVID-19–related self-stigma and to identify potential risk factors.

A retrospective observational cohort study among adult Israeli citizens who tested positive for COVID-19 in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at least twelve weeks before the interview, serving as a pivotal criterion for diagnosing PCS based on self-reported symptoms. The study sample was drawn from the Israeli Ministry of Health’s comprehensive COVID-19 database and data were obtained via a computerized telephone questionnaire conducted from June through December 2021. The quantification of self-stigma entailed the utilization of the COVID-19 self-stigma scale. The study examined the adjusted association between exposure to PCS and self-stigma, controlling for socio-economic characteristics.

Seven hundred fifty-nine participants (48.7% male) responded, with a mean age of 47.2 years (SD = 14.9). A quarter (25.2%) of the study population met the criteria for PCS, and 28.1% met the criteria for self-stigma. A significant association was found between PCS and self-stigma, with individuals experiencing PCS reporting higher self-stigma (p < 0.001). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses confirmed that PCS was significantly associated with self-stigma modeled as both a continuous and a dichotomous outcome (R2 = 0.09, p < 0.001; OR = 2.5, p < 0.001, respectively).

This study underscores a significant association between PCS and self-stigma, independently of sociodemographic factors. Given this association, it is imperative to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at stigma reduction among PCS patients. These findings have importance beyond COVID-19, providing lessons for future pandemics and emergencies.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-26489-z.