Stigma and Discrimination Against People Living with HIV and AIDS in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia

摘要

Banyuwangi occupies the third highest position for HIV cases in East Java. Stigma and discrimination is one of the challenges in the success of controlling HIV and AIDS. Stigma increases the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and stops social and medical support to the patients. The study aim to explore stigma and discrimination experienced by PLWHA in Banyuwangi. This was a qualitative study conducted in Blambangan regional hospital in 2016 through in-depth interviews to 19 informants who selected purposively and recruited by health provider. The interview conducted for 60 minutes and recorded. Data was validated with triangulation techniques, analyzed using content analysis and presented in narrative. Stigma and discrimination mostly come from PLWHA itself. Factors that influence the occurrence of stigma are excessive fear of HIV, incomplete messages received by PLWHA and community caused the wrong and excessive perceptions arise, community values, norms and judgments. This stigma and discrimination is expressed in physical, social, verbal and institutional forms at the internal level of PLWHA and externally. Strengthening and empowerment through support group were needed to increase PLWHA confidence and involving PLWHA in HIV education to the community may decrease stigma and discrimination.