Perceived work-related stigma in healthcare workers and presence of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) symptoms

Introduction Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between work-related stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whilst it is possible that shared social characteristics explain the link between stigma and PTSD, this article hypothesizes that work-related stigma is itself associated with symptoms of PTSD. Objectives This study examined whether work-related stigma was associated with PTSD symptoms one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of French healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods Data were based on an online survey that recruited HCWs working during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of PTSD symptoms was assessed using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) with a cut-off score of ≥33. Work-related stigma was defined as the perception of having been treated differently and unfairly because of one’s profession.The relationship between work-related stigma and PTSD symptoms was tested using propensity scores including all relevant confounding factors: financial and social support, and work-related,or pandemic-related factors. Results Among the 655 respondents, 71.6% were physicians, 11.1% were nurses, and 17.3% had other occupations. A total of 53 participants (8.7%) presented symptoms of PTSD. We found an association between work-related stigma and PTSD symptoms (OR 2.13, 95% CI [1.04;4.35]) one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic adjusted for propensity scores including relevant confounding factors. Conclusions Our findings suggest that work-related stigma is associated with PTSD symptoms among HCWs. This association was independent of social characteristics known to influence both stigma and PTSD. Work-related stigma may be a propitious occupational risk factor to target in order to improve HCWs work conditions and mental health. Disclosure of Interest None Declared