Experiences of stigma in healthcare settings by people living with HIV in Ireland: a qualitative study. Issue 9 (1st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vaughan, Elena; Power, Martin; Sixsmith, Jane
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 32:Issue 9(2020)
• Page Start: 1162
• Page End: 1167
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01
• Subjects: HIV -- HIV-related stigma -- stigma -- health inequalities -- qualitative health research; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1781761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Stigma in healthcare settings remains a barrier to accessing screening, treatment and care for HIV and is a driver of the global HIV epidemic. This study examined the stigma experiences in healthcare settings of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 4 women and 10 men living with HIV. Data were analysed using a Directed Content Analysis approach to assess experiences of enacted, anticipated and internalised stigma. The findings indicate experiences of enacted, anticipated and internalised stigma were common. A further finding of spatial stigma was also uncovered. Analysis showed these experiences impacted participants' engagement with care and affected health-seeking behaviours and treatment adherence. The results suggest stigma experienced in healthcare settings may impact negatively on health outcomes.