Services, Stigma, and Discrimination: Perceptions of African Descendant Men Living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil and in the United States

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to give voice to 13 men of African descent from Salvador, Brazil, and East Texas, United States, living with HIV/AIDS regarding their perceptions on accessibility of services, and the stigma and discrimination they experience. Phenomenological research using in-depth interviews was used as methodology. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: perception of positive health, services and accessibility, not disclosing HIV status is a way to be protected, health professionals untrained in treating people living with HIV/AIDS, being of African descent increases discrimination in both countries, education would decrease stigma and discrimination. This study addresses how stigma and discrimination experienced by these men violate their human rights, and the need of policies to mitigate these practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Afro-descendant population
• discrimination
• HIV/AIDS
• human rights
• stigma