Women's experiences with HIV-related stigma from health care providers in Lima, Peru: “I would rather die than go back for care”

ABSTRACT

In Peru, HIV/AIDS is increasing among heterosexual women. In this qualitative study researchers examined HIV-related stigma among 14 women in Lima, Peru, who were HIV positive and at least 18 years of age. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and indicated that women experienced stigma from health care providers. Two broad themes emerged from the data: forms of stigma and response to stigma. Within these themes, subthemes included maltreatment during care, neglect of patients' rights to confidentiality and privacy, and the process of women speaking out. Stigma from health care providers had a long-term, negative impact on women's willingness to seek treatment. Future stigma reduction initiatives, on a global level, should include health care workers.

Acknowledgments

We thank the International AIDS Research and Training Program at the University of Washington. We also thank the 14 women who participated in this study, as well as Jorge Sanchez, Aldo Lucchetti, Rosa Infante, and the Impacta Clinic staff. We acknowledge our research assistants, Wendy Radillo, Natividad Chavez, Maria Acosta, and Katheryn Conde.