Discrimination in healthcare settings among adults with recent HIV diagnoses. Issue 9 (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baugher, Amy R.; Beer, Linda; Fagan, Jennifer L.; Mattson, Christine L.; Shouse, R. Luke
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 31:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1077
• Page End: 1082
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: Discrimination -- HIV/AIDS -- United States -- Ryan White; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1545988
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of discrimination in healthcare settings among HIV patients in the United States is unknown. The Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) is a complex sample survey of adults receiving HIV medical care in the United States. We analyzed nationally representative MMP data collected 2011–2015. We assessed the prevalence of self-reported healthcare discrimination, perceived reasons for discrimination, and factors associated with discrimination among persons with HIV diagnoses ≤5 years before interview ( n = 3, 770). Overall, 14.1% of patients living with HIV (PLWH) experienced discrimination, of whom 82.2% attributed the discrimination to HIV. PLWH reporting poverty, homelessness, or attending a non-Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) facility were more likely to report discrimination compared with other groups. Of patients attending non-RWHAP facilities, discrimination was higher among those in poverty (27.5%) vs. not in poverty (15.1%). Discrimination was associated with homelessness regardless of facility type, and was highest among homeless persons attending non-RWHAP facilities. Healthcare discrimination was commonly reported among PLWH, and was most often attributed to HIV status. Discrimination was higher among those reporting poverty or homelessness, particularly those attending non-RWHAP facilities. Incorporating practices, such as anti-discrimination training, in facilities may reduce healthcare discrimination.