Association Between COVID-19-Related Stigma Perception and Anxiety Disorders in the General Population During the Pandemic: Evidence From a Nationwide Survey in South Korea

While COVID-19-related stigma perception is recognized as a mental health risk, its effects on the general population are understudied. This study examines the link between stigma perception and symptoms of anxiety disorder among the general population in South Korea. This study used data from a nationwide survey, the Korean National Mental Health Survey related to COVID-19. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Stigma perception was assessed with a single question and categorized as "No," "Yes," or "Strongly Yes." Logistic regression was used, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, COVID-19-related, and health-related factors. Results showed that 12.7% of respondents met the criteria for anxiety disorder. Compared with those who perceived no stigma, individuals who answered "Yes" had 2.12 (95% CI [1.31, 3.46]) times higher odds of anxiety, and those who answered "Strongly Yes" had 6.61 (95% CI [3.75, 11.62]) times higher odds. Other significant factors included marital status, lower income, worsened economic conditions during the pandemic, subjective stress, poor sleep quality, and underlying health conditions. These findings suggest that stigma perception related to COVID-19 is a strong and independent risk factor for anxiety. Public health interventions should incorporate anti-stigma strategies to support mental health during and beyond pandemic.