Global Prevalence and Correlates of Stigma in Long COVID: A Systematic Scoping Review of Quantitative Evidence
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Long COVID is a multisystem syndrome with a high global prevalence that impacts the physical and psychosocial well-being of affected individuals. While its clinical manifestations are well-documented, the illness-related stigma as an emerging topic remains poorly characterized from a quantitative perspective. This scoping review aimed to map the global quantitative evidence regarding the prevalence, manifestation, psychometric assessment, and factors associated with stigma in individuals with Long COVID. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Quantitative empirical studies examining stigma in Long COVID populations worldwide were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Out of 809 identified documents, eight articles published between 2022 and 2026 that met the selection criteria were included, representing 2925 participants. The findings revealed a high prevalence of stigma (75.9% to 83%), manifesting mainly in anticipated and internalized forms (64.2% to 90.8%). Three primary measurement tools were identified, with the Long-COVID Stigma Scale emerging as the most widely validated and used instrument. Higher levels of stigma were significantly associated with poorer mental health, lower quality of life, and reduced well-being. The psychologization of symptoms was associated with increased stigma, while self-related processes (such as self-coldness and reduced self-compassion) appeared to mediate its negative impact on well-being. Furthermore, a preliminary stigma vulnerability profile was identified, highlighting women, younger individuals, and those with a formal Long COVID clinical diagnosis as experiencing higher stigma levels. Stigma appears to be a central component of the illness experience in Long COVID, carrying important public health and psychosocial implications. Our findings underscore the need for coordinated and multisectoral public health research efforts to address this stigma and improve patient well-being. This research agenda should include studies evaluating population-level socio-educational campaigns to raise awareness about Long COVID stigma, the integration of stigma-informed training into clinical protocols, and the potential value of incorporating validated psychometric screening instruments into routine practice to evaluate their impact on vulnerable patient populations.
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7204258316
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