Objective: To understand the types of, reasons for and sources of stigma and discrimination in a rural community where the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are former plasma donors (FPDs).
Methods: Eighty local residents, including 20 HIV-positive villagers, 20 family members, 20 villagers from non-HIV-positive households and 20 health workers, were selected as study subjects by using purposive sampling method in rural areas of Anhui Province. Face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions were held to collect information on HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and its contributing factors.
Results: Of the 80 study subjects, 1 didn't finish the survey. Of the 79 subjects who finished the survey, the main forms of stigma and discrimination were expanded stigma [81.0% (64/79)], abandonment and avoidance, stigma and discrimination in healthcare setting [47.4% (28/59)], loss of social support [33.3% (13/39)]. The level of stigma was less in village where were more HIV-positive villagers living and vice versa. The reasons for stigma and discrimination included: ignorance or misunderstanding of HIV/AIDS [57.5% (23/40)], fear of HIV/AIDS [32.5% (13/40)] and morality judgment toward PLHA. The majority of HIV positive participants were unwilling to disclose their positive status to others in order to protect their family members and children.
Conclusion: Ignorance and misunderstanding of HIV/AIDS were main contributing factors to HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and it is very important to implement appropriate intervention programs to reduce stigma and discrimination.