Discrimination In Health And Social Care

Human immunodeficiency virus, as popularly known as HIV, is a virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS and is classified as a sexually transmitted infection. Unlike some other sexually transmitted infections, the human body cannot get rid of HIV, which means that once you have HIV, you have it for life. About 1.1 million people in the United States and about 34 million people in the world are living with HIV (CDC, 2014). Most people living with this virus is discriminated upon and treated badly every day in their life. HIV discrimination can range from; being ignored by family and friends, community, poor treatment in healthcare and education setting, workplace, and restrictions on travelling. Laws like the Rehabilitation

People can experience discrimination such as being refused medicine or access to facilities, receiving HIV testing without consent, and a lack of confidentiality. Such responses are often fuelled by ignorance of HIV transmission routes amongst doctors, midwives, nurses, and hospital staff. Fear of exposure to HIV as a result of lack of protective equipment is another factor fueling discrimination among doctors and nurses (CCGHE, 2004). Discrimination can have negative effects on the quality of care patients receive and so health care workers need to be aware of it. Accurate information about the risks of HIV infection should be available to health care workers, and they should also be encouraged to not associate HIV with immoral behavior. Facilities should have equipment and information so health workers can carry out universal precautions and prevent exposure to

Family and friends are seen as the primary caregivers when somebody falls ill, there is clear evidence that families play an important role in providing support and care for people living with HIV (Avert, 2014). However, not all family and friends response are supportive. HIV positive members of a family can find themselves discriminated within the home. There is a concern that women and non-heterosexual family members are more likely than children and men to be mistreated (MODHHS). Acts of discrimination can range from isolation from family gathering or events and being abandon or outcast. Also there is discrimination seen among community members towards people living with HIV. Community level discrimination towards people living with HIV is found all over the world. A community’s reaction to somebody living with HIV can have a huge effect on that person’s life. If the reaction is hostile, a person may be discriminated against and may be forced to leave their home, or change their daily activities such as shopping, socializing, or