GUIDELINES FOR REDUCING STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION RELATED TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS SPECIAL ARV CLINIC, NA KAE HOSPITAL NAKHON PHANOM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to: 1) study the problem of stigma and discrimination related to people with HIV/AIDS, and 2) propose guidelines for reducing stigma and discrimination related to people infected with HIV/AIDS, ARV Special Clinic, Na Kae Hospital, Nakhon Phanom Province. This is mixed methods research between quantitative and qualitative research. The findings showed that 1) In terms of condition of the stigma problem and discrimination, regarding the environment of health service facilities, 44.72% were less concerned. Regarding the policy of health service facilities, 61.26% agreed. Opinions about people living with HIV/AIDS, regarding the spread of infection in reproductive health services, 55.89% disagreed. Issues related to key populations at high risk of HIV infection, 32.80% see it regularly. Regarding experiences of human rights violations, 40.47% seen. Regarding disclosure of status and confidentiality of people infected with HIV, 51.12% seen infrequently. Regarding reproductive health, 55.80% saw it regularly. 2) In terms of guidelines for reducing stigma and discrimination related to people with HIV/AIDS, ARV Special Clinic, Na Kae Hospital, Nakhon Phanom Province, it is suggested that the environment should be improved to be friendly, appropriate, and ready to provide services. Increase understanding and disseminate accurate information about the disease. On the service recipient side, it is proposed that all patients be treated equally and psychiatric services should be provided. In conclusion, not behaving in a way that makes infected people feel violated or rejected by society will help reduce the problem of inappropriate stigma and discrimination.