COVID-19 related social stigma in management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care in Bangladesh

A scoping review

Abstract

Since 2021 Bangladesh is celebrating birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the Independent of Bangladesh, the country is dedicated to eradicate all
forms of social stigma, inequality in access to healthcare facilities and strengthen the health system through
quality stewardship. While under Sustainable Development Goal 3 (target 3.4) along with international
community Bangladesh is committed to eradicate one third of premature deaths due to NCDs, the onset of
COVID-19 pandemic and the stigma caused by it are creating challenges for the patients of non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) to get access to health care services in Bangladesh. This paper aims to identify the role of
COVID-19 related stigma to NCDs continuum in Bangladesh. Stigma has been identified as a ‘secret’ burden
of disease that put impact on physical and psychosocial health, health systems, policies related to health
promotion.In Bangladesh, patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are stigmatized and the role of COVID-19
related stigma in the provision of NCDs care is not largely understood.In this study, a scoping literature review
of newspaper reporting, peer reviewed and grey literature was implemented to identify the role of COVID-19
stigma in the NCDs care continuum in Bangladesh. Twenty two articles met the inclusion criteria of the study.
Findings suggest that fear of being infected with coronavirus pandemic, internalized embarrassment, and
negative attitude of the health service providers negatively influence NCDs care continuum during COVID-19.
Therefore, integrated NCDs and COVID-19 treatment provided by the health facilities, behavior change
communication program, good governance and proper management of healthcare system can reduce the
stigmatization of COVID-19 and can ensure efficient NCDs care continuum for patients.