Experiences of stigmatization and discrimination in accessing health services: voices of persons living with HIV in Ghana

Social Work in Health Care
Mavis Dako-GyekeEmmanuel Asampong

Abstract

Drawing on Earnshaw and Chaudoir's HIV stigma framework, this study explored the experiences of persons living with HIV and AIDS regarding stigmatization and discrimination in accessing health services. Using a qualitative research methodology, 42 participants were purposively recruited during support group meetings of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) at Amasaman in Accra, Ghana. Four focus group discussions (n = 22) and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted. Discussions and interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and categorized based on the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that PLWHAs had knowledge of stigma that was experienced through enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma mechanisms. Evidence showed that PLWHA did not experience stigma and discrimination when they accessed services at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the largest hospital in Ghana. However, the situation was different when they accessed services at other public health facilities. Based on the findings, implications are discussed for policy, social work, and public health practices.

References

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Citations

Jan 14, 2016·International Journal for Equity in Health·P Dako-GyekeA E Yawson
May 3, 2016·Annales de dermatologie et de vénéréologie·N Korsaga/SoméA Traoré
Jun 7, 2013·PloS One·Kartik K VenkateshKenneth A Freedberg
Aug 25, 2016·The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC·Leeann R DonnellyMario Brondani
Dec 19, 2020·African Journal of AIDS Research : AJAR·Laura Ann Chubb, Christa B Fouché
May 27, 2021·Revista gaúcha de enfermagem·Matheus Costa Brandão MatosPaulo de Tarso Moura Borges
Sep 15, 2021·African Journal of AIDS Research : AJAR·Maxwell Peprah OpokuAnthony Kweku Edusei

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