engleski

HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination in Croatia

Background: Several cases of HIV-related discrimination became known in Croatia in recent years. To gather quantitative data we examined the patterns and extent of perceived HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination from different sectors experienced by Croatian people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 160 HIV-infected adults who came for routine outpatient follow-up care to the HIV/AIDS Center at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases. Each participant was interviewed in person using a structured HIV/AIDS inventory based on 8 dimensions of discrimination as described in the UN Declaration on Human Rights. Data were collected during an 18 months period (Sept 2006 to Feb 2008) and analyzed for the prevalence of discrimination overall and in specific major areas. Results: Overall, 82% of respondents reported experiencing some form of discrimination. Within the health sector, 49% of PLHIV faced discrimination, however, among those who declared their HIV status to a health care worker 72% experienced discrimination. HIV-related discrimination was less frequently found in the community (19%) and within the family (9%). When the HIV status was known, 48% of individuals experienced discrimination in the workplace. Breaches in HIV testing procedure and of confidentiality by health care workers were common. Conclusions: We found that HIV-related discrimination is prevalent in every sector of society in Croatia. The major area of discrimination is within the health care sector which might discourage PLHIV from seeking health care as well as to disclose their HIV-status. Our findings may be used to raise awareness and responsibility among medical professionals and to sensitize the general public to this issue. Anti- discrimination laws and regulations governing violation of human rights should be monitored for implementation. PLHIV should be empowered to adequately respond and cope with discrimination.

HIV/AIDS; stigma; discrimination; Croatia

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