Experiences of stigma in healthcare settings by people living with HIV in Ireland: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Stigma in healthcare settings remains a barrier to accessing screening, treatment and care for HIV and is a driver of the global HIV epidemic. This study examined the stigma experiences in healthcare settings of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 4 women and 10 men living with HIV. Data were analysed using a Directed Content Analysis approach to assess experiences of enacted, anticipated and internalised stigma. The findings indicate experiences of enacted, anticipated and internalised stigma were common. A further finding of spatial stigma was also uncovered. Analysis showed these experiences impacted participants’ engagement with care and affected health-seeking behaviours and treatment adherence. The results suggest stigma experienced in healthcare settings may impact negatively on health outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• HIV-related stigma
• stigma
• health inequalities
• qualitative health research

Acknowledgements

This study formed part of a broader investigation into media discourse on HIV and HIV-related stigma in the Republic of Ireland as part of the lead author’s doctoral research. The authors would like to thank everyone who participated in the study, and HIV Ireland, AIDS West and the Sexual Health Centre Cork for their support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).