[A study of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among former plasma donors in rural areas].
OBJECTIVE
To understand the types of, reasons for and sources of stigma and discrimination in a rural community where the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are former plasma donors (FPDs).


METHODS
Eighty local residents, including 20 HIV-positive villagers, 20 family members, 20 villagers from non-HIV-positive households and 20 health workers, were selected as study subjects by using purposive sampling method in rural areas of Anhui Province. Face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions were held to collect information on HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and its contributing factors.


RESULTS
Of the 80 study subjects, 1 didn't finish the survey. Of the 79 subjects who finished the survey, the main forms of stigma and discrimination were expanded stigma [81.0% (64/79)], abandonment and avoidance, stigma and discrimination in healthcare setting [47.4% (28/59)], loss of social support [33.3% (13/39)]. The level of stigma was less in village where were more HIV-positive villagers living and vice versa. The reasons for stigma and discrimination included: ignorance or misunderstanding of HIV/AIDS [57.5% (23/40)], fear of HIV/AIDS [32.5% (13/40)] and morality judgment toward PLHA. The majority of HIV positive participants were unwilling to disclose their positive status to others in order to protect their family members and children.


CONCLUSIONS
Ignorance and misunderstanding of HIV/AIDS were main contributing factors to HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and it is very important to implement appropriate intervention programs to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Cao
Xiao-bin
XB
Division of Health Education and Behavior Intervention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.
Feng
Guo-ze
GZ
Xu
Jie
J
Pang
Lin
L
Zhang
Hong-bo
HB
Dou
Zhi
Z
Xu
Chen
C
Rou
Ke-ming
KM
Wu
Zun-you
ZY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D012424:Rural Population; D055815:Young Adult