Public perceptions about HIV/AIDS and discriminatory attitudes toward people living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Iran

Ebrahim Masoudnia

doi:10.1080/17290376.2015.1123644

Abstract

Negative and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are one of the biggest experienced challenges by people suffering from HIV, and these attitudes have been regarded as a serious threat to the fundamental rights of all infected people who are affected or associated with this disease in Iran. This study aimed to determine the relationship between public perception about HIV/AIDS and discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA . The present study was conducted using a descriptive and survey design. Data were collected from 450 patients (236 male and 214 female) in Tehran and Yazd cities. The research instruments were modified HIV-related knowledge/attitude and perception questions about PLWHA, and discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA. The results showed that prevalence of discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA in the studied population was 60.0%. There was a significant negative correlation between citizens’ awareness about HIV/AIDS, HIV-related attitudes, negative perception toward people with HIV/AIDS symptoms and their discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA (p < .01). The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that components of public perception about HIV/AIDS explained for 23.7% of the variance of discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA. Negative public perceptions about HIV/AIDS in Iran associated with discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA and cultural beliefs in Iran tend to stigmatize and discriminate against the LWHA.

Highlights

The United Nations epidemiological data on AIDS estimated that in 2013, 35 million [33.2– 37.2] people are suffering from HIV/ AIDS worldwide (UNAIDS 2014)
Negative and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are one of the biggest experienced challenges by people suffering from HIV, and these attitudes have been regarded as a serious threat to the fundamental rights of all infected people who are affected or associated with this disease in Iran
The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that components of public perception about HIV/AIDS explained for 23.7% of the variance of discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA

Summary

Introduction

The United Nations epidemiological data on AIDS estimated that in 2013, 35 million [33.2– 37.2] people are suffering from HIV/ AIDS worldwide (UNAIDS 2014). Iran has been known as one of the most high risk countries with regard to HIV infection in the world (Zareban, Heidarnia, Rakhshani, Jabari & Abdollahi 2006). HIV/AIDS is a disease that due to stereotypes and social stigma of society, in respect of physical health and in terms of psychological and social health (Aranda & Naranjo 2004). Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS are the biggest challenges experienced by people suffering from the disease and it has been recognized as a serious threat to the fundamental rights of all infected people who are affected by or associated with this disease (Aranda & Naranjo 2004; Holzemer et al 2007)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion