Discrimination, stigma, and AIDS: a review of academic literature produced in Brazil (2005-2010)

Abstract

Given the implications of stigma for HIV/AIDS prevention and control of the epidemic, as emphasized by UNAIDS, this study analyzes theBrazilian academic production on health, AIDS, stigma, and discrimination, available This study aims to analyze the Brazilian academic literature on AIDS, stigma, and discrimination available in the SciELO database from 2005 to 2010, with the purpose of encouraging the development of research and policies on the theme in the public health field in Brazil. The review's premise is that since processes of discrimination and stigma result from social interactions and structures, they stem from the linkage between axis of inequalities, such as social class, gender, generation, and color/race/ethnicity and individual characteristics. Thus, the analysis of these health-related processes should consider the specific interrelations between macro-and micro-social structures in the production of exclusionary mechanisms towards certain individuals and groups, thereby making them more vulnerable 2,3 . FÓRUM FORUM

Desigualdades socioespaciais relacionadas à tuberculose no município de Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro

“…These findings are in accordance with those in other studies, which suggest there is discrimination when seropositivity is diagnosed, inducing the patient to look for access and treatment in health units that are further from the household 37,38 . Differences regarding the access and the stigma coming from the HIV infection are probable sources of bias in epidemiological analyses, because the notification depends on the proper investigation of the case.…”

Sentimentos Relatados Pelos Trabalhadores Da Saúde Frente À Epidemia Da Aids (1986-2006)

“…7 Still in this context, because of its initial association with socially deviant behaviors-which could be condemned by society-contamination by the virus caused an additional problem not only for HIV-positive individuals but also for their family members. Publically announcing that there was an infected family member, especially for mothers, became one of the dilemmas that some families experienced in regard to the HIV-positive status of their children.…”

“…These groups were strongly stigmatized for their behaviors, which were not accepted by society at the time. 7 Therefore, studying, searching the past, particularly the memories of health workers, in order to better understand their care methods and their feelings when facing the emergence of AIDS, enables us to consider their cultural, moral, and social conditionings and to assess them critically to avoid prejudiced attitudes, thus establishing an ethical relationship. Within this context and considering the exposed theme, the aim of this study was to describe and understand the feelings reported by health workers when facing the emergence of AIDS in a reference hospital for infectious diseases in the period 1986 to 2006.…”

Perception of health professionals about the prevention of the AIDS epidemic in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil (1986-2006)

“…19 Consequently, the stigmatized way people with HIV/AIDS were labeled during the epidemic was drastically minimized, although this is still not fully resolved. 20 In contrast, the lack of fear of the disease and somehow its very demystification might have passed on to the exacerbation of confidence and sense of invulnerability by the young, causing the trivialization of AIDS. Therefore, despite the implementation of public health policies, mainly aimed at the prevention of STDs among the youth audience, they mostly did not experience the drama at the beginning of the epidemic, the stigma for those infected and the experience of prejudice directed at people with the disease.…”