Post-COVID-19 Public Health Challenges: Insights Into Post-COVID Symptoms, Stigma, and Post-Pandemic Recovery Support From the Vietnam Experience.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the burden of post-COVID-19 symptoms, social stigma, and quality of life, and to examine their interactions among individuals recovering from COVID-19 in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to June 2022 among individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 within 1-3 months prior. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire capturing demographic and baseline characteristics, health status during infection, post-COVID symptoms, perceived social stigma using the five-item COVID-19 Perceived Discrimination Scale (C-19-PDS), and quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between social stigma and perceived decline in quality of life. Results: Among 764 participants, 55.4% were female, and 45.4% were under 30 years old. Most participants (81.3%) reported at least one of 27 post-COVID-19 symptoms, 27.5% experienced social stigma, and 38% reported a decline in quality of life. Perceived social stigma was significantly associated with reduced quality of life (adjusted OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.20-2.73). Conclusions: Post-COVID symptoms and social stigma are common among COVID-19 survivors, and social stigma significantly impacts post-recovery quality of life. Comprehensive support from families, communities, and authorities is essential to promote full recovery and social integration.