Predictors of HIV Related Stigma among Healthcare Providers in Lusaka, Zambia
Abstract:
Background: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and
AIDS remain a major public health crisis in Zambia [14]. One
of the barriers to effective HIV response is the HIV-related stigma and discrimination
among Healthcare providers towards patients receiving diagnostic procedure or treatment.
It’s suggested that most studies concentrate on perceptions
of discrimination, with occasional studies involving explicit discriminatory behaviors
[7]. The
purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to HIV stigma and discrimination
among healthcare workers in order to recommend evidence-based interventions that
would help reduce HIV-related stigma in order to enhance quality of HIV prevention,
care and treatment.
Methodology: Using an analytic cross-sectional research design, 370 health
providers’ attitudes and behaviors towards HIV-patients were analyzed and the driving
factors of discriminatory behavior were explored, which provided countermeasures
and sources for appropriate departments to eradicate prejudice in the medical field,
protect the medical interests of PLHIV, support and monitor HIV prevention.
Results: Levels
of stigma were reported by all groups included in the study; willingness to prohibit
women living with HIV from having children (43%), wearing double gloves (64.5%),
and using special infection control measures (50%) and avoided physical contact
(36.5%) when caring for HIV infected clients.
Conclusion: The
study revealed that the HIV stigma and discrimination by healthcare providers in
urban Lusaka was not uncommon. Potential care and support for HIV patients should
therefore concentrate on strengthening the cognitions and behaviors of Healthcare
providers toward PLHIV to ensure that they receive prompt and effective treatment
and assistance.
References:
[1].
ACON. (2020).
Ending HIV stigma African Gender and Media Initiative (GEM). (2012). 3rd
Ngong Avenue, Upper Hill Garden Apt # E-06.
[2]. Avert. (2018). HIV Stigma and Discrimination. Global
information and education on HIV and AIDS.
[3]. Chishinga, N. Kinyanda, E. Weiss, H.E. Patel, V. Ayles,
H. & Seedat, S. (2011). Validation of brief screening tools for depressive and
alcohol use disorders among TB and HIV patients in primary care in Zambia.
[4]. Dawson-Amoah, CG. (2015). Determinants of HIV Stigma
among Healthcare workers in Ghana. Ghana: Walden University scholar works.
[5]. Doka, S. Danjin, M. Dongs, L. (2017). HIV/AIDS-related
stigma and discrimination among healthcare providers in a tertiary health facility.
Gombe Nigeria: Journal of medical sciences.
[7]. Ekstrand, ML, RamakrishnaJ, BS, Heylen E. Prevalence
and drivers of HIV stigma among health providers in urban India: implications for
interventions. J Int AIDS Soc. 2013; 16(3 Suppl2):1–12.
[9]. Mukasa, A. (2008) Stigma and Discrimination Faced by
People Living with HIV/AIDS: A review of Literature Based on Attitudes, Beliefs
and Practices, Prepared for Health Communication Partnerships.
[10]. NAM. (2019). No reduction in HIV stigma in San Francisco,
2011 to 2017.
[11]. Ndonyo. R.L (2005).Assessing Quality and Responsiveness
of Health Services for Women in Crises Settings: Zambia Case Study Report. The University
of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia.
[12]. Nelson, MK. (2012). How to tackle HIV stigma among healthcare
workers. England: NAM Publications.
[14]. Nieuwenhuijs, J. (2008). Exposure assessment. Centre
for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.
[18]. Oskouie, F. Kashefi, F. Rafii, F and Gouya, M.M. (2017).
Qualitative study of HIV related stigma and discrimination: What women say in Iran.
Electron Physician. 2017 Jul; 9(7): 4718–4724.
