To know her is to love her: exploring the impacts of stigma and discrimination on the treatment seeking behavior 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 Goffmans 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 which is highly influenced by the Catholic Church and also emphasizes 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 behavior is markedly different according to socioeconomic status. Women with HIV/AIDS who belong to higher socioeconomic status tend to have a more consistent treatment adherence while those who belong to 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.