Image by Callie Jones, retrieved from https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/opinion/stigma-towards-people-with-hiv-will-undo-advances-in-drug-treatment
Ever since its surge in the 1980s, HIV/AIDS has been one of the most stigmatized health conditions experienced by individuals. Oftentimes, these individuals are burdened by outdated negative connotations and myths about the infection, on a daily basis.
HIV/AIDS Stigma vs. Discrimination, and its Origins
Stigma is defined as an attitude of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person, in this case, towards individuals with HIV/AIDS. This prejudice is coupled with many myths, such as labelling specific groups as “more susceptible” to the virus. Contrarily, discrimination is the set of behaviours that result from negative attitudes and beliefs. The mistreatment and refusal of contact with someone living with HIV/AIDS is the most common example of discrimination.
Whether it be HIV/AIDS stigma or discrimination, both antipathetic actions towards those with the condition are derived from a place of fear, stemming back to the first HIV/AIDS news and images appearing in the early 1980s. Thus, a series of misconceptions had been passed down through generations, and still persist today.
It is important to distinguish between both stigma and discrimination so that we may better confront the lack of information & awareness that arises from this condition.
"I was placed with a woman before I started getting really sick. She didn’t know I had HIV, but when Children’s Aid called her and asked if she would take me back and they told her about my status, she refused to." Ashley Rose Murphy, teen advocate for HIV/AIDS
What are the effects of HIV/AIDS stigma on the individual?
Living with HIV/AIDS can take a grand toll in all areas of an individual’s life. Take a look at the statistics worldwide in terms of careers, travel and contact:
47 countries maintain travel restrictions for people living with HIV (UNAIDS)
8 in 10 adults with HIV in the United States report feeling internalized HIV-related stigma (HIV.gov)
⅓ of Americans believe HIV can be transmitted by sharing a drinking glass, touching a toilet seat or swimming in a pool with someone who has the virus (AMA Journal of Ethics)
21% of people living with HIV have been denied healthcare in the past 12 months, across countries with available data (UNAIDS)
Their everyday rights to education, healthcare, and work are impeded by these stereotypes and false beliefs. Individuals with this condition often develop a negative self-image, impacting their overall emotional wellbeing and mental health. The expanse of this stigma can keep individuals from getting tested due to the shame and despair they feel.
A simple shift in language when discussing the issue can make all the difference. Image retrieved from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/making-a-difference/standing-up-to-stigma
What can we do to stop HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination?
There are a variety of ways in which we can take action to diminish the effects of HIV/AIDS discrimination to foster a more inclusive society.
Hold Conversations: acquaint yourself with the stories of those affected with HIV/AIDS & take part in support groups
Educate Yourself: read articles and recent updates about the field of HIV/AIDS, education = getting more comfortable with the topic!
Shift the Language: when talking about HIV/AIDS, using more appropriate and inclusive terms (like the ones above) can make the whole difference!
And of course, get involved! Clubs and councils like McMaster CANFAR are dedicated to educating and destigmatizing HIV/AIDS. Follow our Instagram @maccanfar to stay updated on our upcoming events!
References
Anderson, J.D., & Bebe, J. (2009, December). HIV Stigma and Discrimination Persist, Even in Health Care. AMA Journal of Ethics. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/hiv-stigma-and-discrimination-persist-even-health-care/2009-12.
Marturana, A. (2017, January). What It's Like Living as an HIV-Positive Teen. Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.pedaids.org/2017/01/18/what-its-like-living-as-an-hiv-positive-teen/.
(2020, February 24). Standing up to Stigma. HIV.gov. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/making-a-difference/standing-up-to-stigma.
(2021). HIV and Stigma and Discrimination. UNAIDS. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/07-hiv-human-rights-factsheet-stigma-discrmination_en.pdf.
(2021, June 1). Facts about HIV stigma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-stigma/index.html.
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