AEGiS-15IAC: HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: the case of health care professionals in Mexico.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: the case of health care professionals in Mexico.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. MoOrD1021)

Infante-Xibille C, Zarco-Mera A, Cuadra-Hernandez M, Morrison-Melke K, Bronfman-Pertzovsky M
Institute of Education/Thomas Coram Research Unit, London, United Kingdom

Introduction: In Mexico there is little information on how health care professionals (HCP) respond to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). From where HIV -related stigma emerge? What form does it take within the daily activities of HCP? Why does it still prevail? These remain unanswered questions. We understand HIV -related stigma and discrimination as a social process that produces reproduces and maintains social inequities.

METHODS: This study used qualitative and quantitative methods. The first phase, a qualitative approach, consisted of 36 in-depth interviews with HCP and PLHA. The findings were then used to design a survey of 373 HCP. The sample used convenience criteria. The study was conducted in three states of Mexico.

RESULTS: HCP have a mixture of scientific information and beliefs about HIV/AIDS. Emergency, out-patient, and surgery hospital services showed high levels of stigmatization and discrimination occurring. The HIV serological test is being applied to those perceived to belong to a "high risk group", often without informed consent and it is used as a criterion to decide whether or not give attention. PLWA when hospitalized are often allocated in isolated areas. In some hospitals PLWA are being identified with "distinctive"marks in their carnets. Mainly there is a lack of confidence on the preventive actions HCP must undertake. Conclusion HIV -related stigma and discrimination take multiple forms in health service delivery and is directed mainly to men who have sex with other men and sex workers, subpopulations previously stigmatized prior to the emergence of AIDS. Pre-existing stigmas have only served to deepen social gaps. There are a series of mixed beliefs related to HIV/AIDS that distort the image of PLHA that impact negatively the way HCP provide care. Many HCP lack a basic grasp of human rights concepts.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Health Personnel, Human Rights, Stereotyping, Mexico, HIV-1, Discrimination (Psychology), Attitude of Health Personnel, Interviews, Data Collection, Humans, Male

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MoOrD1021