Measuring Healthcare Worker Stigma During the COVID-19 Pandemic A Systematic Review of Scales and Their Psychometric Properties

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the issue of stigmatization both by and directed towards healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting affected individuals' wellbeing. Appropriate measurement of stigmatization is critical to identify target points for interventions. In this review, we compiled quantitative measurement instruments (MIs) used to study COVID-19-related stigma within the healthcare sector, focusing on stigma both towards and among HCWs. Psychometric properties and coverage of stigma facets were examined. The k = 38 included studies utilized a total of n = 36 unique stigma MIs; n = 22 scales were adapted from other domains rather than newly developed or pre-existing MIs. Most studies lacked extensive reports of their psychometric properties. Interpersonal processes (n = 35) and received stigma (n = 27) were commonly assessed stigma facets. Despite the attention stigmatization has received, consistent use of rigorously validated MIs is lacking. Future research would benefit from a stronger focus on assessing the psychometric quality of stigma MIs. Furthermore, the complexity of stigma should be given greater consideration in its measurement. Researchers should ensure a good fit between the measurement goal and the stigma facet measured. The accurate assessment of stigmatization processes is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at mitigating stigmatization and improve public health outcomes in the long term.