The Correlates of Health Facility-related Stigma and Health-seeking Behaviors of People Living with HIV

Authors

  • Janet Alexis A. De Los Santos College of Nursing, Visayas State University; Graduate School, St. Paul University Philippines
  • Cyruz P. Tuppal Graduate School, St. Paul University Philippines; College of Nursing and Allied Health, University of San Agustin
  • Norberto E. Milla Department of Statistics, Visayas State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.4447

Keywords:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, Stigma, Health facility, Health-seeking behaviors, People living with HIV, PLHIV, Philippines

Abstract

Objective. This study aims to assess the presence of stigma in health facilities and health-seeking behaviors of persons living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods. This study utilized a cross-sectional design employing self-report questionnaires answered online. A total of 100 PLHIV participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling method.

Results. Results revealed that most participants are young adult men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last five years. Overall, participants display moderate health-seeking behavior (M = 2.94, SD = 0.54), and moderate experience of health facility-related stigma (M = 2.21, SD = 0.87). Further, there is a negative correlation between age and health-seeking behavior (r = ?0.2796, p = 0.049). The type of facility is significantly correlated with HIV stigma (r = 0.4050, p = 0.036).

Conclusion. A sustained linkage to care is essential for a PLHIV to remain engaged on his health and well-being. Necessary strategies should be implemented to improve the health-seeking behaviors of PLHIV. Public Rural Health Units are considered to be the most stigmatizing health facility. The presence of health facility-related stigma requires immediate action of the government to reinvigorate these catchment centers as providers of stigma-free and nondiscriminatory primary health care.

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Published

2023-04-28

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
The Correlates of Health Facility-related Stigma and Health-seeking Behaviors of People Living with HIV. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2023 Apr. 28 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];57(4). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/4447