Abstract
PurposeThis aim of this study was to explore the experiences of stigmatization and coping mechanisms during pregnancy among pregnant women who are living with HIV in Thailand. The secondary objective was to determine factors contributing to stigma during motherhood among HIV-infected women as well as explore how they cope with the discrimination from society.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews to obtain different versions of stigmatized experience from 16 pregnant women living with HIV on stigmatization and coping mechanisms. There were 5 pregnant adolescents living with HIV and 11 adult pregnant women living with HIV. The content analysis was used to examine patterns of stigmatizations and attributed factors.FindingsPersonal stigma was found among pregnant women living with HIV regardless of age. HIV status disclosure was the crucial barrier of accessing to care for people experiencing stigmatizations. Personal stigma associated with higher HIV status was not disclosed. Interestingly, all teenage mothers who participated in this study disclosed their HIV-status to their family. People who have social support especially from family and significant others are found to be able to cope and get through the difficulties better than those who lack those social support.Originality/valueThis study yields outcomes similar to several other studies that have been conducted either in Thailand or other countries. This study found that family support was crucial in reducing HIV stigma. Furthermore, HIV-infected pregnant female adults were more afraid to disclose their HIV status to their husbands, other family members and their work colleagues.
Highlights
Even though advanced medical technology has the potential to prolong the lifespan of individuals living with HIV, it cannot protect them from discrimination and stigmatization
Research has found that gender is related to HIV-related stigma experiences among people living with HIV (PLWHIV)
Of the 50 pregnant women living with HIV who visited the clinic, 16 were approached and recruited to participate in this study to provide in-depth information to the point of saturation by interview method
Summary
Even though advanced medical technology has the potential to prolong the lifespan of individuals living with HIV, it cannot protect them from discrimination and stigmatization. Females are more likely to be discriminated against than their male counterparts by approximately 50% [1]. This ongoing phenomenon has raised concerns over the negative impacts felt by pregnant women living with HIV and their newborn babies [2, 3]. HIV-positive pregnant women who decide to conceal their HIV status from their partners place themselves at greater risk of discrimination and stigmatization [4], which can have adverse effects on their physical and emotional growth during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study found that teenage pregnant participants showed signs of physical and mental problems, including alcohol abuse, lack of knowledge, feelings of hopelessness and low self-value. Another study by Mchunu et al [5] suggested that pregnant teenagers could be affected by both internal factors (lack of knowledge to prevent pregnancy) and external factors (social and familial discrimination)
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