Stigma Related To HIV Among Community Health Workers In Chile

• DOI: 10.5463/sra.v1i1.11
• Publication Date: 2011-03-02T16:28:23Z
• Authors: Rosina Cianelli; Lilian Ferrer; Kathleen F. Norr; Linda McCreary; Lisette Irarrázabal; Margarita Bernales; Sarah Miner
• Keywords: Misinformation; Stigma; Social stigma

PURPOSE: When healthcare workers have stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV it may lead to discriminatory behavior that interferes prevention, treatment, and care. This research examined the HIV-related reported by health in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: The study used focus group data from first phase of a larger develop test prevention intervention for Chilean workers. Ten groups were conducted Health two communities Content analysis was analyze data. RESULTS: Two central themes emerged: Societal stigma discrimination towards system's policies related HIV. Both inaccurate fears transmission among general public societal prejudices against homosexuals contributed stigmatization discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: did not recognize their own or behaviors, but discussion indicated these behaviors exist. Healthcare system issues identified included problems confidentiality due desire inform other about client status. must be sensitized current misinformation associated its negative impacts on persons community. IMPLICATIONS: All clinical non-clinical at community clinics need mandatory education focuses changing as well sharing knowledge. Also, law protecting medical care needs publicized, along guidelines enactment facilities.