Comparative Study of Stigma and Discrimination in Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated COVID-19 Survivors in Bangladesh

Historically, pandemics have often resulted in stigma and discrimination against people affected. Despite some studies outlining the stigmatized experiences of COVID-19 survivors in Bangladesh, there is a notable lack of comparative research into the lived experiences of survivors across different pandemic phases. This study is intended to fill this gap by thoroughly investigating the stigmatized experiences of both vaccinated and non-vaccinated COVID-19 survivors in Bangladesh. Using a qualitative comparative case study approach, we interviewed 22 COVID-19 survivors (13 non-vaccinated and 9 vaccinated) in Bangladesh during two pandemic periods (July 26–August 12, 2020, and October 10, 2022–April 10, 2023). Recruitment was made by adopting a convenient sampling technique through social media platforms and personal networks. Due to the pandemic, interviews were conducted primarily via telephone and online, such as Zoom. All interviews were then thoroughly transcribed and subjected to an in-depth thematic analysis. The findings highlight crucial factors that contribute to stigma and discrimination against COVID-19 survivors, including fear of death, infection, disease control measures (such as lockdown, public announcements, and placing red flags on victims' houses), and personal experiences with COVID-19 testing. Notably, non-vaccinated participants reported a variety of experiences associated with COVID-19 stigma and discrimination that differed from those of their vaccinated peers. The study also found that social support and normalized perceptions of COVID-19 played important roles in reducing stigma and discrimination against survivors. As a result, this study is significant for healthcare workers and policymakers in Bangladesh in developing effective pandemic management and control strategies.