HIV Stigma and Discrimination: Enduring Issues

It is well acknowledged that human immunodeficiency virus stigma (HIV stigma) challenges people living with HIV globally. There is a scarcity of information about determinants of HIV stigma and discrimination among married men in the Indonesian context. This study aimed to explore factors that contribute to stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive men married to women in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from participants using a snowball sampling technique. A framework analysis was used to guide the analysis of the data. HIV stigma framework was also applied in the conceptualisation and the discussion of the findings. The findings indicate that participants experienced external stigma within healthcare facilities, communities and families. This external stigma was expressed in various discriminatory attitudes and behaviours by healthcare professionals and community and family members. Similarly, participants experienced anticipated stigma as a result of HIV stigma and discrimination experienced by other people living with HIV. Individual moral judgement associating HIV status with amoral behaviours and participants’ negative self-judgement were determinants of perceived stigma. The current findings indicate the need for training programs about HIV stigma issues for healthcare professionals. There is also a need to disseminate HIV information and to improve HIV stigma knowledge among families and communities.

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HIV Stigma and Discrimination Management in Pokhara, Nepal

Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies ◽

10.3126/jjis.v6i0.19312 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 97-109

Author(s):

Ram Prasad Aryal

Keyword(s):

Deficiency Syndrome ◽

Interdisciplinary Studies ◽

Hiv And Aids ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Hiv Stigma ◽

Research Approach ◽

Face To Face ◽

Human Immuno Deficiency Virus ◽

Stigma And Discrimination ◽

Living With Hiv

Stigma and discrimination attached to Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are not new issues in Nepal where the issues are often considered to be the outcomes of either extra-marital sexual activities or sharing needles for drug use withpeople living with HIV (PLHIV). These activities are considered to be outside norms and values of Nepalese societies. Consequently, PLHIV are stigmatized and discriminated against in family and society. There are number of studies on stigma and discrimination attached to HIV and AIDS. However, there are very limited studies on management of HIV stigma and discrimination in Nepal. Therefore, this paper aims to look at HIV stigma and discrimination in general with a view to contextualize these issues, and to examine management of HIV stigma and discrimination in particular after being HIV diagnosed. This study follows qualitative research approach, face to face in-depth interview with 16 PLHIV in Pokhara during the period February-March 2017. This study investigates ways the participants have been able to manage their HIV stigma and discrimination in a greater extent at present with their own individual rigorous efforts, and supports made by local body and organizations/hospitals working in the field of HIV and AIDS as well. This paper has important policy implications, especially in the management of HIV stigma and discrimination in Nepal and other countries with similar socio-cultural contexts.Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 6 (December 2017), page: 97-109

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