A Qualitative Study of Stigma and Discrimination against People Living with HIV in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) are a pressing problem in Vietnam, in particular because of propaganda associating HIV with the "social evils" of sex work and drug use. There is little understanding of the causes and sequelae of stigma and discrimination against PLHIV in Vietnam. Fifty-three PLHIV participated in focus group discussions in Ho Chi Minh City. Nearly all participants experienced some form of stigma and discrimination. Causes included exaggerated fears of HIV infection, misperceptions about HIV transmission, and negative representations of PLHIV in the media. Participants faced problems getting a job, perceived unfair treatment in the workplace and experienced discrimination in the healthcare setting. Both discrimination and support were reported in the family environment. There is a need to enforce laws against discrimination and provide education to decrease stigma against PLHIV in Vietnam. Recent public campaigns encouraging compassion toward PLHIV and less discrimination from healthcare providers who work with PLHIV have been encouraging.

Knowledge and Perceptions of HIV-Infected Patients Regarding HIV Transmission and Treatment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“…24 Our findings of embarrassment around HIV infection and ARV use are similar to what have been discussed in other studies. [13][14][15]24,25 Embarrassment of living with HIV was found to be higher among female respondents. Current literature reveals mixed evidence.…”

“…Many studies have reiterated that successful adherence to ARV medications involves not only developing the support of friends and loved ones but also adequate provider-patient collaboration and education to address patient experiences of stigma, exaggerated fears of HIV infection, misperceptions about HIV transmission, the efficacy of antiretroviral regimens, and medication side effects. [13][14][15] Although the rapid scale-up of ARV use may reduce patients' sense of self-stigma, there is evidently an increase in societal stigma regarding ARV provision, specifically increased fears of promiscuity and spread of HIV by healthy HIV-positive patients. 29,30 All individuals who attended the course inevitably went on to receive ARV treatment; patients who failed to attain classroom and counselor objectives were quickly remediated with one-onone counseling to optimize patient understanding, and then offered a chance to retest.…”

Stigma related to sex work among men who engage in transactional sex with men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

“…Stigma and depression have been shown to be associated in a variety of settings (Simbayi et al 2007; Thi et al 2008; Wu et al 2008; Li et al 2009; Kingori et al 2012; Wohl et al 2012; Logie et al 2013). Since the current study was cross-sectional, we could not assess the temporality of the relationship between depression and sex work-related stigma.…”

Assessment of Stigma and Discrimination Experienced by People Living with HIV and AIDS Receiving Care/Treatment in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria

“…These findings are supported by findings in similar studies conducted in other African Countries which showed that people living with HIV experienced stigma and discrimination at all levels of the communities. [13][14][15][16][17] One quarter (25%) of the respondents had experienced stigmatization and discrimination (ie, unfair treatment) due to their positive HIV status. This finding is lower than findings from similar studies conducted in South Africa and Kenya, which found stigma and discrimination rates of 40% and 43%, respectively.…”