The extent of HIV-related stigma and the resultant discrimination among health care workers at Salvation Army Chikankata Mission Hospital, Mazabuka District, Zambia
Date
2012-03
Authors
Zachungnunga, Zairemthiama
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV-related stigma and discrimination remained pervasive problems in health care institutions worldwide. This study aimed at identifying the level of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in a randomly selected sample of health care workers at Salvation Army Chikankata Mission Hospital, Zambia. In total, 50 health care workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
A moderate level of stigma and discriminatory attitudes was observed. The factors associated with such attitudes were: irrational fear about HIV/AIDS; misperceptions of personal risk; inaccurate information about how HIV is transmitted leading to irrational behaviour; association of HIV infection with immoral behaviours that are already stigmatised.
The results indicate that, programmes to reduce irrational fear about HIV transmission and that of judgmental attitudes are, urgently needed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIV-verwante stigma en diskriminasie bly wêreldwyd problematies in gesondheidsorg-instellings. Die doel van die studie was om die vlak van MIV-verwante stigma en diskriminasie te bepaal in 'n geselekteerde groep gesondheidswerkers by die Salvation Army van die Chikankata Mission Hospitaal in Zambië. Daar is in totaal onderhoude met 50 gesondheidswerkers gevoer. Daar is 'n matige vlak van stigma en diskriminasie gevind. Die faktore wat met hierdie houdings geassosieer word is: irrasionele vrees vir MIV/Vigs, wanpersepsies van persoonlike risiko; onakkurate inligting oor hoe MIV oorgedra word wat lei tot irrasionele gedrag; assosiasie van MIV infeksie met immorele gedrag wat reeds gestigmatiseerd is. Die resultate toon dat daar dringende nood is vir programme wat die irrasionele vrees rondom MIV infeksie en negatiewe houdings kan verminder.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIV-verwante stigma en diskriminasie bly wêreldwyd problematies in gesondheidsorg-instellings. Die doel van die studie was om die vlak van MIV-verwante stigma en diskriminasie te bepaal in 'n geselekteerde groep gesondheidswerkers by die Salvation Army van die Chikankata Mission Hospitaal in Zambië. Daar is in totaal onderhoude met 50 gesondheidswerkers gevoer. Daar is 'n matige vlak van stigma en diskriminasie gevind. Die faktore wat met hierdie houdings geassosieer word is: irrasionele vrees vir MIV/Vigs, wanpersepsies van persoonlike risiko; onakkurate inligting oor hoe MIV oorgedra word wat lei tot irrasionele gedrag; assosiasie van MIV infeksie met immorele gedrag wat reeds gestigmatiseerd is. Die resultate toon dat daar dringende nood is vir programme wat die irrasionele vrees rondom MIV infeksie en negatiewe houdings kan verminder.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Keywords
Salvation Army Chikankata Mission Hospital (Zambia), Stigma (Social psychology) -- Zambia, Discrimination -- Zambia, Medical personnel and patient -- Zambia, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management, Assignments -- HIV/AIDS management