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The Stigma Faced by People Living with HIV/AIDS

The Stigma Faced by People Living with HIV/AIDS. Joanne A. Cyr, PsyD Clinical Health Psychologist August 9 th , 2006, Journalist to Journalist Training on HIV/AIDS, In collaboration with the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto A Project of the NATIONAL PRESS FOUNDATION.

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The Stigma Faced by People Living with HIV/AIDS

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  1. The Stigma Faced by People Living with HIV/AIDS Joanne A. Cyr, PsyD Clinical Health Psychologist August 9th, 2006, Journalist to Journalist Training on HIV/AIDS, In collaboration with the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto A Project of the NATIONAL PRESS FOUNDATION

  2. Health Canada report on HIV?AIDS HIV is transmitted through: • Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral) • Shared needles or equipment for injecting drugs • Unsterilized needles for tattooing, skin piercing or acupuncture • Pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding (from an HIV-infected mother to her infant) • Occupational exposure in health care settings

  3. Health Canada report on HIV/AIDS HIV CAN NOT be transmitted through: • Casual, everyday contact • Shaking hands, hugging, kissing • Coughs, sneezes • Giving blood • Swimming pools, toilet seats • Sharing eating utensils, water fountains • Mosquitoes, other insects, or animals

  4. Social Determinants of HealthWHO 2003 Report • 1. The Social Gradient • 2. Stress • 3. Early Life • 4. Social Exclusion • 5. Work

  5. Social Determinants, cont’d 6. Unemployment 7. Social support 8. Addiction 9. Food 10. Transport

  6. “Vulnerable Groups” • Aboriginal population • Migrants & Refugees • Women • People of Colour • Youth • Mentally Ill • Homeless • Sex trade Workers • Intra-venous drug users (IVDUs) • Men who have sex with men (MSM) • Trauma Survivors

  7. HIV-Related Stigma • Fear of life-threatening illness • Fear of infection (instrumental) • Fear of “lifestyle” associated with “taboo behaviours” (ie. IVDU, MSM) • People being seen as responsible • Religious/moral beliefs about punishment (shame & blame) • Misperceptions of “other” groups

  8. Consequences of HIV-related stigma • Refusal to seek HIV testing or treatment • Deterioration in personal, social and familial relations • Negative emotions such as fear, guilt, grief, depression and anxiety • Loss of support, SOCIAL ISOLATION • Lack of trust in health care providers • At the extreme discrimination, persecution, ostracization and violence

  9. Secondary Consequences • Restriction in one’s rights • Diminished capacity to advocate or negotiate for oneself • Employment and housing problems • Healthcare access issues • Even, access to foreign countries • Denial and avoidance of self-care and self-responsibility

  10. The US vs. THEM dilemna • HIV/AIDS is a global issue affecting millions of people largely for financial and social reasons • Where consistent access to HAART is available, HIV-related stigma is reduced

  11. Interventions “Understanding and Challenging HIV stigma: A Toolkit for Action” • Naming the Problem • More understanding and less fear • Sex, morality, shame and blame • Living and caring for PLHAs within family • PLHAs coping with stigma • Stigmatized children • Planning for Action www.changeproject.org/technical/hivaids/stigma.htm

  12. UNAIDS (2002)Conceptual Framework for Basis of Action: HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination • Legal and Policy Decisions • Program and Service Interventions • Give accurate information about how HIV is and is not transmitted • Give people reliable tools and resources for overcoming fear and avoidance • Highlight the positive, and illustrate the destructive aspect of stigma

  13. In Style and Delivery • Be aware your own prejudices • Convey messages in fact-based, neutral, non-value laden manner • Encourage thought, discussion, questions, feedback. List resources where people can find accurate information or seek support

  14. PROMOTE NON-STIGMATIZING PRINCIPLES LIKE COMPASSION AND EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL

  15. Respect confidentiality Appreciate the cultural framework Integrate Primary and Secondary Intervention

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