HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma, Fear, and Discriminatory Practices among Healthcare Providers in Rwanda | USAID Health Care Improvement Portal
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HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma, Fear, and Discriminatory Practices among Healthcare Providers in Rwanda

Author(s): 
Jean-Baptiste R.
Organization: Quality Assurance Project/URC

Region and Country: Africa, Sub Saharan, Rwanda

Year: 
2008
Language: 
English
Description: 

In response to concerns that stigma and discrimination pose barriers to access to healthcare services for patients with HIV or AIDS, the Quality Assurance Project surveyed 110 healthcare providers in six health facilities in Kenya in late 2003–early 2004. Structured interviews assessed provider beliefs, attitudes, practices, and fears toward providing care to these patients. Findings indicate that all providers expressed negative attitudes and fear, and most reported being aware of discriminatory practices by providers and facilities toward these patients. The report concludes that as long as providers feel unsafe in providing services to these patients, discrimination will persist. The report discusses the implication of these fidings for stigma reduction strategies to ensure high quality health services for people with HIV/AIDS. Appendices provide informed consent text and the four instruments used for the interviews.