Addressing HIV-related stigma (original) (raw)
Stigma in the HIV/AIDS epidemic: a review of the literature and recommendations for the way forward
AIDS, 2008
Although stigma is considered a major barrier to effective responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, stigma reduction efforts are relegated to the bottom of AIDS program priorities. The complexity of HIV/AIDS related stigma is often cited as a primary reason for the limited response to this pervasive phenomenon. In this paper, we systematically review the scientific literature on HIV/AIDS related stigma to document the current state of research, identify gaps in the available evidence, and highlight promising strategies to address stigma. We focus on the following key challenges: defining, measuring, and reducing HIV/AIDS related stigma as well as assessing the impact of stigma on the effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment programs. Based on the literature, we conclude by offering a set of recommendations that may represent important next steps in a multifaceted response to stigma in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Unmasking the Truth: Addressing Stigma in the Fight Against HIV
Elite Journal of Public Health, 2024
The persistent stigma surrounding HIV remains a significant obstacle in the global efforts to combat the epidemic effectively. This review article aims to dissect the multifaceted dimensions of HIV stigma and explore strategies to unmask the truth about its detrimental impact on prevention, care, and support for those affected by the virus. By examining the social, cultural, and institutional aspects of stigma, the article underscores the urgency of addressing and dismantling these barriers. It delves into the repercussions of stigma on prevention and treatment, emphasizing the need for awareness, education, advocacy, and empowerment as essential tools in the fight against HIV stigma. The role of healthcare providers, community engagement, and societal attitudes is scrutinized to underscore the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding. As the HIV landscape evolves, the article concludes by outlining potential future directions, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research and collaborative efforts to create a stigma-free environment and promote holistic well-being for individuals living with HIV.
Breaking Barriers: Mitigating Stigma to Control HIV Transmission
Elite Journal of Public Health, 2024
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health concern, with stigma acting as a critical barrier to effective control and prevention. This review article delves into the complex interplay between stigma and HIV transmission, emphasizing the detrimental impact of societal attitudes on testing, treatment adherence, and healthcare access. Stigma perpetuates the cycle of transmission by fostering fear, discrimination, and reluctance to seek care, contributing to increased infection rates. Addressing stigma necessitates a comprehensive approach involving education, awareness campaigns, advocacy, and the creation of supportive environments. Efforts to mitigate stigma and discrimination not only enhance prevention strategies but also uphold the dignity and rights of individuals affected by HIV. This review advocates for a concerted global effort to break down barriers, combat stigma, and create inclusive systems that promote equitable access to healthcare and support services for all affected populations.
‘Stigma’ is frequently invoked as HIV sector shorthand, gesturing at a wide range of prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory practices and unpleasant experiences. We don’t always know how to define it, but we know it when we see it. Often, the concept of stigma stands in for the social ‘remainder’ – the stubborn, irrational prejudice we believe our carefully formulated strategies cannot hope to change. In successive state and national HIV/AIDS strategies, the crucial importance of stigma is repeatedly acknowledged, but almost never included in priorities for action. The enormous breadth of the conceptual field seems to have brought educational policy and strategy to an impasse.
Reducing human immunodeficiency virus stigma: a scoping review of intervention strategies
International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS), 2024
Stigma has become one of the aspects closely associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), causing adverse effects for those affected. The primary goal of this scoping review is to identify various intervention models aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma. This review follows the PRISMA 2015 guidelines and utilizes sources from three online journal databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Search criteria include articles published in the last five years, from 2018 to 2023. Out of the initially retrieved 1,084 articles, 9 articles meeting inclusion criteria were selected for a more in-depth review. Most interventions typically employ a mix of strategies, incorporating diverse degrees of social-ecological involvement. Interventions employing dual strategies and extended durations with multiple sessions have the potential to more effectively reduce stigma. Supporting HIV-safe spaces and encouraging community involvement to understand the link between HIV stigma and the spread of HIV/AIDS in their surroundings can effectively reduce HIV stigma. Overall, most studies included in this review indicate fairly satisfactory outcomes. However, when implementing interventions, it remains crucial to tailor them to the specific location, considering that stigma is a social construct. The development of instruments to measure intervention effectiveness needs to be pursued to comprehensively identify significant intervention impacts.
Social Stigma-Barrier for HIV-AIDS prevention & Cure
The complexity of HIV/AIDS related stigma is often cited as a primary reason for the limited response to this pervasive phenomenon that refers to prejudice, discounting, discrediting and discrimination directed at persons perceived to have AIDS or HIV, as well as their partners, friends, families and communities. Although stigma is considered a major barrier to effective responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, stigma reduction efforts are relegated to the bottom of AIDS program Priorities. HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact at individual, household and community levels. AIDS has challenged several aspects of contemporary social life and conventional approaches to health care. The social and medical responses to diseases have probably not been challenged so intensely for a long time. Social implications of HIV/AIDS are perhaps the serious most threat and hurdle to human development. Stigma profoundly affects the lives of people with HIV/ AIDS. In the present study, we focus to identify the impact of society on HIV positive men and women clients living in Delhi. We also explore the impact of stigma on health and healthcare among HIV positive clients in our sample. We discuss implications of HIV related stigma for the mental and physical health of HIV Positive women and men and suggestions for possible interventions to address the stigma among the society.