HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination Toward People Living With HIV Among Healthcare Workers and Associated Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers for individuals with high-risk behaviors and those living with HIV/AIDS. This study aims to delineate the current landscape of stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS among healthcare workers at Thu Duc City Hospital, Vietnam. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 healthcare workers at Thu Duc City Hospital, using a self-completed questionnaire based on validated components from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health and USAID guidelines to assess attitudes and behaviors towards people living with HIV/AIDS. Results: Findings revealed significant rates of fear of infection during routine procedures, such as touching clothes, changing bandages and taking blood are 68.7%, 81.7%, and 86.7% respectively. Discriminatory behaviors, such as double gloving and restricting procedures, were reported at rates of 35.0% and 10.8%. Attitudinal trends depicted 50.8% opposition towards women being infected with HIV allowed to have children. Men exhibited lower rates of discriminatory acts than women (OR = .11, 95% CI = [.03, .44], p = .002), and married individuals demonstrated higher discriminatory acts compared to their single counterparts (OR = 7.65, 95% CI = [2.36, 24.82], p = .001). Conclusion: Despite efforts to reduce stigma, discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS remains prevalent among healthcare workers at Thu Duc City Hospital, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions to foster a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment.