The correlates of health facility-related stigma and health-seeking behaviors of people living with HIV
doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.4447
- Author:
Janet Alexis A. De Los Santos
1
,
2
;
Cyruz P. Tuppal
3
,
4
;
Norberto E. Milla
5
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Visayas State University
2. Graduate School, St. Paul University Philippines
3. Graduate School, St. Paul University Philippines
4. College of Nursing and Allied Health, University of San Agustin
5. Department of Statistics, Visayas State University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
People living with HIV;
PLHIV
- MeSH:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
HIV;
Stigma;
Health facility;
Health-seeking behaviors;
Philippines
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2023;57(4):5-12
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study aims to assess the presence of stigma in health facilities and health-seeking behaviors of persons living with HIV (PLHIV).
Methods:This study utilized a cross-sectional design employing self-report questionnaires answered online. A total of 100 PLHIV participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling method.
Results:Results revealed that most participants are young adult men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last five years. Overall, participants display moderate health-seeking behavior (M = 2.94, SD = 0.54), and moderate experience of health facility-related stigma (M = 2.21, SD = 0.87). Further, there is a negative correlation between age and health-seeking behavior (r = −0.2796, p = 0.049). The type of facility is significantly correlated with HIV stigma (r = 0.4050, p = 0.036).
Conclusion:A sustained linkage to care is essential for a PLHIV to remain engaged on his health and well-being. Necessary strategies should be implemented to improve the health-seeking behaviors of PLHIV. Public Rural Health Units are considered to be the most stigmatizing health facility. The presence of health facility-related stigma requires immediate action of the government to reinvigorate these catchment centers as providers of stigma-free and nondiscriminatory primary health care.
- Full text:4447-Article Text-104599-2-10-20230814.pdf
