Experiences of work among people with disabilities who are HIV-positive in Zambia

Njelesani, Janet; Nixon, Stephanie; Cameron, Debra; Parsons, Janet; Menon, J. Anitha

doi:10.2989/16085906.2015.1016985

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Early in our analysis, it became apparent that the accounts offered by all participants highlighted the central role of stigma experienced by PWD/HIV+. Participants recounted how experiences of stigma in different settings had important consequences for their willingness and ability to seek HIV care and treatment [ 3 ] and obtain paid employment [ 54 ]. Using narrative analysis allowed us to interpret their accounts in a way that unified underlying themes in the data.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The stigmatizing attitudes of others had implications not only for their social relations with family, friends and community members, but it also affected their opportunities to make a living. While work experiences of PWD/HIV+ are the topic of another paper [ 54 ], it is important to mention here that many of the participants recounted finding most, if not all, avenues for earning a living closed to them once their HIV status became known. Many resorted to begging because no other work was available.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is compounded by misconceptions that sex with a virgin or a disabled person can cure HIV [ 13 ]. In another paper written by the Sepo team concerning the work experiences of PWD/HIV+ [ 54 ], we highlight that opportunities for making a living are greatly curtailed for this population, even more so than is usually experienced by PWD living in Zambia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘Are We Not Human?’ Stories of Stigma, Disability and HIV from Lusaka, Zambia and Their Implications for Access to Health Services

2015

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BackgroundThe advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Southern Africa holds the promise of shifting the experience of HIV toward that of a manageable chronic condition. However, this potential can only be realized when persons living with HIV are able to access services without barriers, which can include stigma. Our qualitative study explored experiences of persons living with disabilities (PWD) in Lusaka, Zambia who became HIV-positive (PWD/HIV+).Methods and FindingsWe conducted interviews with 32 participants (21 PWD/HIV+ and 11 key informants working in the fields of HIV and/or disability). Inductive thematic analysis of interview transcripts was informed by narrative theory. Participants’ accounts highlighted the central role of stigma experienced by PWD/HIV+, with stigmatizing attitudes closely linked to prevailing societal assumptions that PWD are asexual. Seeking diagnostic and treatment services for HIV was perceived as evidence of PWD being sexually active. Participants recounted that for PWD/HIV+, stigma was enacted in a variety of settings, including the queue for health services, their interactions with healthcare providers, and within their communities. Stigmatizing accounts told about PWD/HIV+ were described as having important consequences. Not only did participants recount stories of internalized stigma (with its damaging effects on self-perception), but also that negative experiences resulted in some PWD preferring to “die quietly at home” rather than being subjected to the stigmatizing gaze of others when attempting to access life-preserving ART. Participants recounted how experiences of stigma also affected their willingness to continue ART, their willingness to disclose their HIV status to others, as well as their social relations. However, participants also offered counter-stories, actively resisting stigmatizing accounts and portraying themselves as resilient and resourceful social actors.ConclusionsThe study highlights a significant barrier to healthcare experienced by PWD/HIV+, with important implications for the future design and equitable delivery of HIV services in Zambia. Stigma importantly affects the abilities of PWD/HIV+ to manage their health conditions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘Are We Not Human?’ Stories of Stigma, Disability and HIV from Lusaka, Zambia and Their Implications for Access to Health Services

2015

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Lived experiences of persons with disabilities living with HIV in accessing HIV services in Africa: a qualitative systematic review

Philip

King

Durham

2022

Disability and Rehabilitation

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Disability Research in Zambia: A Scoping Review

Scherer,

Banda-Chalwe,

Chansa-Kabali

et al. 2024

SJDR

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Background: Globally, people with disabilities experience exclusion from health, education, employment, and other aspects of daily life. Evidence on lived experience across key life areas (such as education, health, and employment) is necessary to promote disability-inclusive policy and practice, but there is often limited evidence from sub-Saharan Africa and there is no current synthesis in Zambia. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to synthesise evidence relevant to the lived experience of people with disabilities in Zambia across key life areas, in order to support national disability policy and practice. Method: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Global Health, Africa-Wide Information and grey literature sources were searched from database inception until June 2023, although after the database search, we included only articles published from 2007, after adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Articles of any study design that were relevant to disability in Zambia were included, although prevalence studies were excluded to keep the focus on lived experience. Search results were independently screened by two reviewers, first by title/abstract, then by full text. Study characteristics and key findings were extracted, with findings narratively synthesised across key topic areas, such as health, education, and family support. Results: From 10,327 search results, 122 articles were included. Over a third of included articles focused on education for children with disabilities (n = 41, 34%) and the majority were conducted in Lusaka Province (n = 73, 60%). The included research demonstrated a number of challenges experienced by people with disabilities in Zambia that impinge on their human rights, including inaccessible environments, stigma and discrimination, and limited support. Evidence is relatively limited in some key areas, including healthcare and employment, and there is need for up-to-date research. Conclusions: People with disabilities in Zambia experience daily challenges. There is need for action to improve disability inclusion in Zambia in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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Experiences of work among people with disabilities who are HIV-positive in Zambia

Cited by 4 publications

References 34 publications

‘Are We Not Human?’ Stories of Stigma, Disability and HIV from Lusaka, Zambia and Their Implications for Access to Health Services

‘Are We Not Human?’ Stories of Stigma, Disability and HIV from Lusaka, Zambia and Their Implications for Access to Health Services

Lived experiences of persons with disabilities living with HIV in accessing HIV services in Africa: a qualitative systematic review

Disability Research in Zambia: A Scoping Review

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