Stigma and Fear of COVID-19 Among Medical Students in Pakistan: A Dataset

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted society, including the medical community. Medical students treating COVID-19 or working in healthcare settings may face stigma and discrimination due to fears surrounding the virus. This study is aimed to determine the stigma and fear of COVID-19 among the medical students of Pakistan. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in Pakistan from September 15, 2021, to October 15, 2021. An online self–reported questionnaire was developed and used for data collection comprising of sociodemographic factors, reluctance towards COVID-19, and stigma and fear towards the COVID-19 patients was assessed using the 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: A total of 716 responses were received, with a 74% response rate. 50.4 % avoided COVID-19 patients, and 69.8% used special measures with COVID-19 patients. While measuring response to stigma, 45.4% of candidates advised patients recovering from COVID-19 should avoid public gatherings, and 46.6% get infected with COVID-19 as they are involved in irresponsible activities. 336 (46.9%) participants were afraid of COVID-19, 220 (30.7%) were fearful of losing their lives to COVID-19, and 281 (39.3%) had anxiety about COVID-19-related news. Stigma was higher among males (p<0.001) and medical students of colleges not affiliated with hospitals with COVID-19 patients (p=0.039). Females (p=0.016) and medical students worried about getting infected with COVID-19 (p=0.002) had higher levels of fear. Conclusion: Most students had a positive attitude and used protective measures against COVID-19. However, a significant proportion had stigma and fear towards COVID-19 patients. Males and medical students without COVID-19 affiliated units had higher stigma levels, while females and medical students worried about COVID-19 infection had higher levels of fear. Awareness campaigns and mental health support are needed to overcome the anxiety, fear, and stigma among medical students.