To Know Her Is To Love Her: Exploring the Impacts of Stigma and Discrimination on the Treatment-Seeking Behaviour of Women Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This exploratory research study revolves on how stigma and discrimination impinge on the treatment-seeking behavior of women living with HIV/AIDS using Goffman’s theory of stigma, Farmer’s theory of structural violence and the Marxist theory of illness and health. The findings revealed that HIV-related stigma and discrimination is a concrete manifestation of structural violence reinforced by a conservative Filipino culture that is highly influenced by the Catholic Church and also emphasises amor propio (love of pride). Stigma and discrimination, as a form of human rights violation, is also regarded as one of the biggest barriers that hinder women living with HIV/AIDS from disclosing and accessing medical services. Treatment-seeking behaviour is markedly different according to socioeconomic status. Women with HIV/AIDS who are of higher socioeconomic status tend to have a more consistent treatment adherence while those of a lower socioeconomic status tend to backslide with their treatment and experience greater difficulties in accessing medical services. Women with HIV/AIDS who belong to lower-income families are also reported to experience more intense stigma and discrimination compared to those who are more financially capable.