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
;
Cyruz P. Tuppal
2
;
Norberto E. Milla
3
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Visayas State University; Graduate School, St. Paul University Philippines
2. Graduate School, St. Paul University Philippines; College of Nursing and Allied Health, University of San Agustin
3. 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
