Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the labelling process including stigma and stereotype that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) women patients must go through. The stigma stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding of HIV itself. It is even worse when HIV positive people are also associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) even though not all HIV positive people have AIDS. Data were collected from 20 women with HIV positive in Besut, Terengganu and Pasir Puteh, Bachok and Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Purposive sampling with some help from key informant were used to get the total of 20 respondents. Result of the study indicated that those women experience severe stigma, stereotyping and negative labels even though they were not involved in any immoral activities but instead they are a victim, in which the infection came from their own husband. Some people who are not emotionally strong enough to face the negative perceptions and judgement made by the society cause them to live in fear, anxiety, isolation, depression, and some choose to quit their job and lives, avoid getting proper treatment, meeting, and interacting with others. It is not easy to ensure that society do not label or stigmatize HIV positive patients. But it is the duty of all parties to provide knowledge of Positive HIV and it is a disease that is not easily transmitted to the public. So, there is no reason for the public to fear and punish the patients.
Highlights
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive infection which happens globally remains one of the health global issues that are serious, intimidating and frightening The number of recorded cases remains high each year
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the labelling process including stigma and stereotype that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) women patients must go through
There were more cases detected among men and individuals who are involved with risky activities, today more women are infected with HIV positive especially housewives and teenagers who are not involved in risky activities
Summary
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive infection which happens globally remains one of the health global issues that are serious, intimidating and frightening The number of recorded cases remains high each year. Based on the statistics by World Health Organization (WHO), up to 2018, the number of HIV positive sufferers worldwide has risen to 37.9 million people compared to 36.7 million in 2016, and 36.9 million in 2017. There were more cases detected among men and individuals who are involved with risky activities, today more women are infected with HIV positive especially housewives and teenagers who are not involved in risky activities. The proof is apparent from the statistics of HIV positive by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) when 3,517 people of recorded cases in 2014 reduces to 3,330 people in 2015 and rises again in 2016 to 3,397 cases (Table 1). The total cases of HIV positive among women show a declining trend from 512 people (2015) to 413 people (2016) before rising to 457 people in 2017 (KKM & MAC 2017). Despite the decrease of HIV positive cases among women, it is still a concern because the trend of infection can change anytime as HIV itself is very complex, challenging and dynamic
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