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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Research

HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen: a conflict and low-resource setting

Authors: Bothaina Ahmed Attal, Kowthar Mohammed Al-Rowaishan, Alaa Abdulbaset Akeel, Fawziah Kassim AlAmmar

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

HIV stigma undermines a person’s wellbeing and quality of life and hinders HIV control efforts. This study examined the extent and drivers of HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. The country has low HIV prevalence (4000 (2000-11,000) per 100,000) and limited HIV control funds, worsened by a long conflict and an economic crisis.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 320 Yemeni health professionals in all the four teaching hospitals in Sana’a City. Data were collected anonymously, using an adapted self-completed Arabic version of the Health Policy Project HIV Stigma tool. The questionnaire covered the respondents’ background, the stigmatising practices, and potential personal and professional drivers of stigma.

Results

The majority of the participants were: females (68%), 20–39 years old (85%), nurses (84%), and holding a nursing diploma (69%) or a bachelor’s degree (27%). None of the hospitals had institutional policies against HIV stigma, and 93% of the participants believed the current infection control measures were inadequate. Less than half of the participants provided care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) (45%), had received HIV training (33%), and were confident that their HIV knowledge was adequate (23%). The majority indicated a preference to test patients for HIV prior to surgical procedures (77%) and disclose positive HIV results to others (99%) without prior knowledge or consent. All the participants had exhibited a form of HIV-related stigmatization, such as avoiding physical contact with PLHIV (87%) or wearing gloves throughout the consultation (96.5%). These practices were significantly correlated with the fear of infection, high perceived risk of infection, and poor work environment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PLHIV face widespread stigmatizing behaviour in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a City, consistent with the higher level of stigma in low HIV prevalence countries and its links to the fear of infection, poor HIV knowledge, and limited funding for HIV control. Stigma reduction interventions are required at institutional and individual levels. In addition, anti-discrimination policies and structural adjustments are needed, in combination with training on HIV and universal precautions, and action to tackle negative attitudes towards PLHIV and key populations.

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Title: HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen: a conflict and low-resource setting
Authors: Bothaina Ahmed Attal
Kowthar Mohammed Al-Rowaishan
Alaa Abdulbaset Akeel
Fawziah Kassim AlAmmar
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11845-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen: a conflict and low-resource setting

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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