Private MD News

Positive HIV test sets women up for stigmatization

Category: HIV

Following a positive HIV test, women may face a number of major challenges in life. A new investigation indicates that social stigmas may be one of the most significant hurdles these individuals face.

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto surveyed groups of HIV-positive women about their experiences dealing with the condition. The results showed that many had faced stigmatization since being diagnosed with the condition.

Much of the discrimination faced by these individuals was based on their gender, race or sexual orientation. The researchers said that without addressing these problems, HIV-positive women may face difficulties in accessing necessary treatments.

"Overall, this investigation highlights a complex system of intersectional stigma that necessitates multifaceted strategies to promote health equity for HIV-positive women," the team wrote in their report, which was published in the journal PLoS Medicine.

They added that their findings should be used to inform healthcare providers and other institutions of the need of providing top-quality care to female patients with HIV. This may help them avoid letting their biases from impacting their work and barring women from treatments.