On the way towards zero discrimination; What do people living with HIV think?

Abstract

Background: Sri Lanka is a country with a low prevalence of HIV infection. Nevertheless, number of people infected with HIV continues to rise with a considerable gap between the number identified and estimated. It is well known that stigma and discrimination to people living with HIV play a major role preventing people accessing services for HIV testing, care and support, worldwide.Sri Lanka is no exception. Methods: We interviewed 102 HIV patients using an interviewer administered questionnaire. In depth interviews were conducted with some of them. Results: Major discrimination was within the health sector with 43% being discriminated at health care settings. 28.4% of them had to undergo testing for HIV, before foreign employment. The rates of voluntary testing were very low. 80% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have disclosed the positive status, someone else. Conclusions: A multi sectoral appr oach is necessary to provide care, support and treatment without stigma and discrimination. There should be self help groups of PLHIV to help each other and to liaise with healthcare personnel when required.

Knowledge gaps on HIV/AIDS among a group of nursing students in Sri Lanka

“…[6] Correct knowledge and attitudes of Nursing students on HIV and AIDS are very essential as they will be the nurses in the future. [7,8] Many studies have been done in several parts of the world to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS of nurses and nursing students. A study conducted in Calcutta shows that the majority of nursing student had inadequate knowledge and misconceptions especially with relate to the pathogenicity of HIV/AIDS, mode of transmissions, methods of prevention and signs and symptoms of the disease.…”

“…In Sri Lanka, researchers found that considerable discrimination of PLHIV seems to take place at healthcare institutions. [7] A study on nursing officers indicated that fear of HIV transmission is one of the reasons for stigmatizing patients with HIV. [8] Like many other countries, in Sri Lanka, nurses are deeply involved in compassionate nursing care.…”