Stigma in HIV-infected Health Care Workers in Kenya: A Mixed-method Approach

Type Journal Article - Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Title Stigma in HIV-infected Health Care Workers in Kenya: A Mixed-method Approach
Author(s)
Volume 26
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
Page numbers 639-651
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105532901400329X
Abstract
HIV-related stigma decreases access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services. Our mixed methods study explored stigma as perceived, experienced, and managed in a sample of 76 HIV-infected health care workers in Kisumu, Kenya. Stigma was quantitatively measured using the HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument for People Living with AIDS (HASI-P). Overall, subjects experienced low stigma levels (mean = 7.88, SD = 12.90; range = 0–61), and none of the sociodemographic variables were predictive of stigma. Transcript analysis of 20 qualitative interviews revealed two negative themes (blame, lack of knowledge) and five positive themes (living positively, optimism, empathy, support, changes over time). Three themes emerged on reducing stigma (normalizing, empowerment, leading by example). Disclosure, access to treatment, stigma reduction training, workplace support groups, and awareness of an HIV workplace policy may have contributed to low stigma scores. Qualitative findings corroborated quantitative findings and corresponded to the six domains of the HASI-P.

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