How We Start Erasing the Stigma Around HIV

By
Peter Evans
-

5Effects of Stigmas on People with HIV/AIDS

HIV stigmas may have many negative effects on different aspects of life. These include:

– Healthcare: People with HIV may feel shameful, which prevents them from getting the proper treatments and support from healthcare professionals. In addition, if doctors or nurses are not well informed or educated on the virus or condition, it may even lead to more stigma.

– Employment: Discrimination and prejudice over HIV would happen in the workplace as well. This has a huge impact on their work-life or even reduces the chance of getting a job.

– Relationships: HIV stigmas in society may cause bullying, rejection, gossip, or even violent acts and behaviors. In addition, people with HIV would find it more challenging to talk about intimacy or similar topics.

– Housing: Landlords may not want to rent their houses to people with HIV due to stigmas. Therefore, these people may have difficulty finding them.

In addition, HIV stigmas may affect the mental health of those with HIV, including anxiety and depression levels, self-esteem, blame coping and avoidance behaviors, physician trust, social support, as well as medication adherence. [7]

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