Navigating HIV-Related Stigma in Switzerland: A Qualitative Study.
Details

UNIL restricted access
State: Public
Version: author
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_4D98C0C6C2F8
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Navigating HIV-Related Stigma in Switzerland: A Qualitative Study.
Journal
International journal of public health
ISSN
1661-8564 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1661-8556
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
69
Pages
1606333
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Status: epublish
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
Objectives: This study sought to understand how people living with HIV experience, perceive, and navigate stigma in their everyday life and in care settings in an urban French-speaking area in Switzerland. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 19 people living with HIV in Lausanne concerning their experience of HIV-related stigma in both everyday life and in healthcare settings. Content analysis was performed to identify main and sub-themes. Results: "Living with HIV" posed little or no difficulty for participants. However, the burden of anticipated and internalized HIV-related stigma played a disproportionately large role in their lives. Participants considered the general population's low level of knowledge about HIV as problematic in this regard. While participants reported few examples of enacted stigma generally, healthcare environments were sometimes experienced as sites of prejudice and discrimination. However, some healthcare professionals were also sources of information and knowledge, contributing to participants' "journeys of self-acceptance." Conclusion: Even in an urban environment in a country with ready access to healthcare and education, HIV-related stigma remains a concern for people living with HIV.
Keywords
Humans, Switzerland, HIV Infections/psychology, Male, Female, Adult, Social Stigma, Qualitative Research, Middle Aged, Interviews as Topic, HIV-related stigma, disclosure, knowledge, qualitative methods
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
16/05/2024 15:50
Last modification date
09/08/2024 15:53