STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION IN A PERSON LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

The stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS are negative aspects, since its origins it has been linked to groups related to HIV transmission: men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, prisoners, transsexuals, sex workers and their clients, generalizing causes and effects. The management and treatment of HIV/AIDS have made great advances that have allowed it to be placed as a chronic condition. The social perception of the condition has not achieved the same evolution, because they continue rejection behaviors related to stigma in people diagnosed. Addressing this phenomenon of stigma and discrimination, allow us to explore and analyze how it is represented by a person living with HIV/AIDS. This is a qualitative phenomenological study since its main characteristic is understanding and interpreting the experience of the individual diagnosed with HIV / AIDS. In-depth interviews were conducted and for the analysis and interpretation the content analysis of the most relevant aspects for the study was used. Analysis topics identified were: Discrimination and experienced stigma but not fulfilled; Modification in the experience of death; a way out of discrimination and Coping strategies. More than one perceived stigma was found; however, the associated feelings allow us to feel the experience as possible more not lived and from there make decisions. From that experience, it is sought to discover the stigma and discrimination associated with people diagnosed with HIV / AIDS, therefore it was chosen by a phenomenological approach.

Keywords

• hiv/aids
• social discrimination
• social stigma
• phenomenology