Part 1 conveyed my personal experiences and views on caring for patients with HIV and AIDS. In this post [aka Part 2] I want to share some research and outside opinions that have been published on stigma associated with HIV/AIDS among health care workers. Adding on to the resources I mentioned at the end of Part 1, Avert.org is great for health care workers to expand their perspective. The site states, "Stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings are not confined to developing countries." They give recommendations for ways to combat stigma in health care settings:
"Health care workers need to be made aware of the negative effect that stigma can have on the quality of care patients receive; they should have accurate information about the risk of HIV infection, the misperception of which can lead to stigmatising actions; and they should also be encouraged to not associate HIV with immoral behaviour."Recent research has been focused on experiences of the patients seeking treatment, counseling, and support. The findings of research of this nature are essential to health care workers. This site reviewed a published study, and reported, "Stigma in healthcare settings was especially upsetting if it involved indifference or awkward social interactions." This statement in particular resounded with me as I remembered the experience I relayed in Part 1.
I found an excellent article (available online!) from the Journal of the International AIDS Society, entitled "Combating HIV stigma in health care settings: what works?." The authors base their recommendations on the following claim:
"...there are three main immediately actionable causes of HIV-related stigma in health facilities: lack of awareness among health workers of what stigma looks like and why it is damaging; fear of casual contact stemming from incomplete knowledge about HIV transmission; and the association of HIV with improper or immoral behaviour."Being attentive to the above causes of stigma in health care settings can make a difference. If you are aware this stigma exists, you can evaluate its presence and effect on the health care setting you work in. In many circumstances, an unfamiliarity and perceived foreignness of HIV/AIDS prevents us from knowing how to establishing a trusting relationship with patients living with HIV when we encounter them. I recently read a study about increased protection of confidentiality and more knowledgeable interactions with HIV/AIDS patients among African nurses than nurses in Western health care settings. It reminded me of the remarkable care provided by the nurses in Uganda (as described in Part 1). Unfortunately, due to saving complications in CINAHL, I can't find it. If anyone comes across it, please let me know!
Update on Sudan: Southern Sudanese voted for the referendum. Now let's hope the split goes as smoothly as possible, and any massive killings are avoided.
Update on Egypt: I'm sure you have seen images and stories the crisis/chaos that's happening in Egypt. It will be interesting to see the uprising's continued influence in both Africa and the Arab nations.
Update on Midwest Blizzard: I'm enjoying the first snow day that my school has had since 1978. :)
