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The aim of the study is to investigate the experiences of elderly individuals regarding stigma and anxiety during the COVID 19 pandemic. This study is a study conducted with a hermeneutic approach, one of the qualitative methods and phenomenology models. After obtaining ethical permission, the document and interview data of 10 elderly individuals selected through criterion sampling were analyzed with descriptive analysis. Findings consist of a theme, seven categories and forty-eight codes. Participants emphasized that the pandemic process caused anxiety and that they felt stigmatized in this process. The participants stated that the lethality of the COVID 19 disease and the high rate of transmission caused them anxiety. In addition, they stated that the restrictive measures taken for the elderly made them feel like a source of illness and this caused them to feel stigmatized. In conclusion, it was observed that the participants had high anxiety and stigmatized feelings in this process. They stated that they pay attention to the mask, distance and hygiene rules, which are the methods of protection from the virus, to cope with anxiety, and that they have a spiritual orientation. However, they did not have any statements about the feelings of anxiety and stigmatization they experienced in this process to share with their relatives or health workers and to get help. Accordingly, it is thought that it would be beneficial for healthcare professionals working with elderly individuals to encourage these individuals to share their feelings. In addition, healthcare professionals should take part in activities to raise awareness of the community about the COVID 19 process and the measures taken to prevent stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social stigma is the discrediting or unfair treatment of a person or group for any of their characteristics. Social stigmatization is one of the most important results of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study is to develop a measurement tool for assessing COVID-19-related stigma. Materials and Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 324 participants who were formerly diagnosed with COVID-19. Measurement regarding the validity of the COVID-19 Stigmatization Scale was evaluated with exploratory analysis. Results: Females accounted for 50.3% (n = 163) of the participants, and the mean age of the participants was 35.35 ± 11.23 . The internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.95. The internal consistency coefficients of the subscales were .92 for "anticipatory anxiety", .90 for "external stigmatization", .89 for "negative self-image", .84 for "contagion anxiety", .90 for "disclosure anxiety", and .87 for "internal stigmatization." The total variance explained by the scale was 61.96%. Conclusions: The findings indicated that the COVID-19 Stigmatization Scale, consisting of 44 items in six subscales, is a valid measurement tool for COVID-19 related social stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It has been shown that self-stigmatization causes low self-esteem and social anxiety in bipolar patients. In this study it is aimed to demonstrate the impact of self-stigmatization on psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder. Method: The study was carried out with 70 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. All patients were in remission and the remission state was confirmed by a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score less than 7 and a Young Mania Rating Scale score less than 5. For the assessment of self-stigmatization, sense of stigmatization subscale of Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (BDFQ-Stigma) was used. In the assessment of functioning, Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) was applied which includes the dimensions such as autonomy, occupational functioning, cognitive functioning, financial issues, interpersonal relations, and leisure time. In the statistical analysis, regression analysis was performed. Results: In the regression analysis, R square was found to be 0.205 and the model was statistically significant (F=3.225, p=0.007). The only domain which is affected by self-stigmatization was found to be interpersonal relations (Beta=0.888, t=2.000, p<0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that self-stigmatization has negative impact on interpersonal relations by causing social anxiety as demonstrated previously. On the other hand self stigmatization does not show any adverse effect on the other dimensions of FAST including occupational functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]