Perceived barriers to employment among persons living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This study examined factors associated with contemplating returning to work among unemployed persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in a large urban city in the United States. A mailed, self-administered survey gathered information from 757 unemployed PLHA. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between contemplating returning to work and sociodemographic characteristics, health factors and perceived barriers to employment. We found that most unemployed PLHA (74%) were thinking of returning to work, but perceived significant barriers such as loss of disability income benefits (73%), loss of publicly-funded health insurance (67%) and workplace discrimination (66%). Univariate analyses indicated that contemplating returning to work was significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics, health factors and perceived barriers to employment in the following areas: (1) availability of health insurance, (2) personal health and physical ability, (3) health concerns related to working and the work environment, and (4) current job skills. Multivariate analyses indicated that: gender, age, race/ethnicity, health insurance type, health status and the belief that health will improve if employed were independently associated with contemplating returning to work. In summary, a substantial proportion of unemployed PLHA may contemplate re-entering the workforce. Assistance is needed to help PLHA address perceived barriers that may prevent them from seeking employment.

HIV/AIDS-related stigma in Kumasi, Ghana

“…A study conducted by Brooks, et al (2004), reported that 66% of unemployed PLWHA in the United States indicated that workplace discrimination along with the loss of health insurance and disability income benefits were significant barriers to returning to work (Brooks, et al 2004). This study clearly indicates that work place discrimination exists; 12% of participants indicated that they would change jobs if someone they work with becomes positive for HIV.…”

A propósito del sida: un estudio cualitativo sobre percepción y actitudes de estudiantes y profesorado universitario en Chontales, Nicaragua

“…Ello provoca que sea la discriminación social un tema de interés comunitario. Los estereotipos asociados tradicionalmente al VIH continúan jugando un importante papel en la justificación, desarrollo y mantenimiento de la estigmatización hacia las personas seropositivas (Brooks, Martín, Ortiz y Veniegas, 2004;Dijker, Kok y Koomen, 1996). Esta estigmatización se da tanto en lo físico y social como en lo verbal e institucional, siendo especialmente dramática esta última, lo que conlleva dificultades de acceso a la vivienda, la educación o el mundo del trabajo.…”

Work-related stigma and disclosure: A daily challenge for people living with HIV

“…Three studies noted that, for people currently not working, fear of being stigmatized by colleagues was a major barrier to obtaining employment [25,29,36]. The other study described the perception of many participants, that employers are not HIV sensitive and that the Americans with Disabilities Act would not protect them from discrimination [37].…”

“…Three studies reported that disclosure is sometimes necessary because of a change in health status, such as progression of the illness which may lead to absences [22,24,29].…”

“…Five studies described that fear of stigma is one of the main reasons for nondisclosure [24,25,[28][29][30]. Also limited disclosure (to only one, or a few colleagues) can be an important strategy to avoid stigma [30].…”