Changes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related Knowledge and Stigmatizing Attitudes among Korean Adolescents from 2006 to 2011

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study assessed the prevalence and changes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes in 2006, 2008, and 2011.MethodsThree cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2006, 2008, and 2011. A cross-sectional sample of high school students in Seoul, South Korea was targeted. A self-administered questionnaire measuring general and transmission and discriminatory attitudes was used.ResultsMisconceptions about casual contact were widespread, even though the proportion responding incorrectly decreased significantly over the 5-year period. The respondents in all surveys displayed a high level of discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS in some situations, particularly in the idea of HIV/AIDS making the respondent feel disgusted (63.3% in 2006, 57.5% in 2008, and 52.6% in 2011), avoiding sitting with people with HIV/AIDS (50.6% in 2006, 50.5% in 2008, and 48.5% in 2011), and blaming those with HIV for becoming infected (46.6% in 2006, 42.8% in 2008, and 43.0% in 2011). Even though respondents had a high level of stigmatizing attitudes, the survey showed that the stigma has declined over the 5-year period.ConclusionThe survey results showed that public health policy should recognize that HIV stigmatizing attitudes persist in Korea. This finding has implications for the development of intervention programs focusing on reducing the levels of discrimination.

Peer supporter experiences of home visits for people with HIV infection

“…Efforts are still needed to overcome HIV-related stigma, which remains prevalent worldwide; indeed, despite a decline in stigma over the years, such attitudes persist in South Korea. 22 In particular, Hong Kong Chinese adults believed PLWHA to be promiscuous. 24 As HIV-infected individuals anticipate that they will be affected by HIV-related stigma, 25 a common response of HIV-infected individuals is to avoid disclosure of their HIV status for fear of discrimination.…”

“…Peer support may be a particularly effective intervention in situations where perceived HIV-related stigma may limit the support received by PLWHA, as fear of disclosure makes it difficult to access support from others and may also make others reluctant to provide needed care. 22 To address such concerns, a government-funded home visiting program, which used HIV-positive peers to provide support to PLWHA, was implemented in the South Korean capital city in 2004. As of May 2014, eight trained HIV-positive volunteers worked as peer supporters, undertaking a monthly home visit program for socially and economically marginalized PLWHA.…”

Can Stigma Still Distort the Spectrum of a Disease?

“…In this issue, Sohn and Park have concluded that public health policy should recognize that HIV stigmatizing attitudes persist in Korean adolescents [11]. Although this study is limited to adolescents, it can show the nationwide stigma connected with HIV/AIDS.…”

Barriers and Facilitators toward HIV Testing and Health Perceptions among African-American Men Who Have Sex with Women at a South Side Chicago Community Health Center: A Pilot Study

“…Questions were derived from a variety of sources from the literature; fundamental examples are detailed below: “HIV and AIDS are the same thing” (19)“A person with HIV can look and feel healthy” (19)“How often should people get an HIV test” (22)“Most people with AIDS will die from it” (19)“Eating healthy foods can keep a person from getting HIV” (19)“How likely do you think you are to get HIV in your lifetime?” (23)“HIV infects mainly homosexuals” (21)“If HIV is treated properly, an average HIV-infected person can live more than 20 years” (21)“People with HIV/AIDS appear to be sexually promiscuous people” (21). …”