Assessing knowledge, acts of discrimination, stigmatizing attitudes and its associated factors towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) among Family Medicine trainees in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.51866/oa1298
- Author:
Hiang Ngee Chan
1
;
Anuar Mohamad
2
;
Aneesa Abdul Rashid
3
,
4
;
Bee Kiau Ho
5
;
Alia Abdul Aziz Cooper
6
;
Haslina Mukhtar Aajamer
7
;
Ermi Noor Emjah
8
;
Jashithra Syamala Krishnan
9
;
Gloria Neo Lih Hwee
10
Author Information
1. MBBS (IMU), FRACGP (Australia) Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. MD (UKM), Dr. Fam. Med (UKM) Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpu, Malaysia.
3. MBBCh BAO (NUI), DrFamMed (UKM) Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine &
4. Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), UPM, Serdang, Malaysia.
5. MBBS (UM), MMed (Family Medicine) Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanic, Jalan Langat, Bandar Botanic, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
6. MBChB (University of Dundee), FRACGP (Australia) Klinik Kesihatan Kota Damansara 40-70, Jalan Pekaka 8/3, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
7. MD (USU), Graduate Certificate of Family Medicine (AFPM) Klinik Medina, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
8. MD (USM), Diploma in Family Medicine (AFPM) Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Hulu Langat, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
9. MBBS (AIMST), Diploma in Family Medicine (AFPM) Klinik Kesihatan Pandamaran, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
10. MD (CSMU), Graduate Certificate in Family Medicine (AFPM) Klinik Alam Medic, Taman Sri Muda, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Stigmatisation;
Discrimination;
HIV patients;
Primary care doctors
- MeSH:
Discrimination, Psychological;
Social Discrimination;
HIV
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2022;17(3):33-42
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigmatisation and discrimination adversely affect health outcomes in terms of timely diagnosis, treatment and care. Despite global efforts, they remain common among healthcare workers worldwide. In Malaysia, family medicine specialists are entrusted with the care of HIV patients at the primary care level. This study aimed to assess HIV-related knowledge, acts of discrimination, stigmatising attitudes and their associated factors among family medicine trainees in Malaysia.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 family medicine trainees in Malaysia using a validated, self-administered questionnaire that assessed the participants’ sociodemographic information, HIV/AIDS knowledge, stigmatising attitudes (attitudes of blame, attitudes towards imposed measures, comfort in dealing with HIV patients) and acts of discrimination.
Results: The most common stigmatisation was “attitudes of blame” (mean [SD] score: 3.0 (0.74); range score:1–5), and the most frequent discriminatory act was breaching patient confidentiality (54.9%). Around 82.1% had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Married participants and participants who had 7 years or less in service were more stigmatising in “attitudes of imposed measures” towards people living with HIV (p=0.006).
Conclusion: Family medicine trainees exhibited stigmatisation and discrimination towards HIV patients despite having good HIV knowledge. Hence, appropriate and concerted health education should be given to all family medicine trainees to eliminate stigmatisation and discrimination.
- Full text:2025082012383320151v17n3-OA-Assessing-knowledge-acts-of-discrimination.pdf
