STIGMA AMONG HIV CARE PROVIDERS IN HEALTH FACILITIES AT THE TEMA METROPOLITAN AREA

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS is a disease of public health importance. HIV related stigma is a process of devaluing the people living with or associated with HIV/AIDS. “Courtesy stigma” comprises of public negative judgment as a result of associating with a stigmatized individual or group. There are arguments that formal HIV care providers experience stigma as a result of taking care of the people living with HIV/AIDS though it is part of their work schedule in the hospital or health center. This may negatively affect the services they render.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at exploring stigma among formal HIV care providers in 3 health facilities at the Tema Metropolitan Area.

METHODS: The study employed a qualitative design using in-depth interviews among HIV healthcare providers in the health facilities at the Tema Metropolitan Area. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze socio-demographic characteristics of participants. Data from interviews were transcribed, coded and then analyzed using thematic analysis in Nvivo Software.

RESULTS: Formal HIV Care Providers experience HIV- related stigma socially and institutionally mainly from their colleagues working in different units and departments of the hospital. Their stigma stems from misconceptions, ignorance and fear of HIV. The health care providers experienced neglect and rejection which were exhibited as differential treatment, body gestures, avoidance and tagging or labeling; presenting with some psychosocial effects such as having a feeling of new identity, being dehumanized and uncomfortable. The stigma experienced had negative impact on the productivity and quality of work of these HIV care providers. Coping mechanisms employed in handling the HIV- related stigma were self-emotional encouragement and imparting knowledge through HIV/AIDS talks, education and trainings. Institutional deficiency and lack of information on the virus and its mode of transmission among the public served as antecedents for stigma to flourish.

CONCLUSION: Stigma was experienced by HIV care providers who attended to people living with HIV/AIDS. Educational interventions are therefore needed to help create attitudinal changes for formal HIV care providers, other health staff and the public as a whole.