HIV/AIDS and Stigma in Vietnam
(2011) SIMT96 20111Graduate School
Master of Science in Development Studies
School of Social Work
- Abstract
- HIV/AIDS puts people in many disadvantages such as losing health, losing income and reducing life expectancy. However, another grave problem of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) is HIV-related stigma. Stigma makes their lives worse in many aspects materially, physically and mentally. This serious matter, unfortunately, exists and requires great efforts to deal with.
This essay aims at providing better understanding of the stigma that PLHAs in Vietnam face in everyday life. The study used a qualitative approach with empirical field studies, interviews and reviews of existing scientific research.
The study carried out interviews with 35 PLHAs who live in Hanoi and engaged in self-help networks. Through their sharing and reflections... (More) - HIV/AIDS puts people in many disadvantages such as losing health, losing income and reducing life expectancy. However, another grave problem of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) is HIV-related stigma. Stigma makes their lives worse in many aspects materially, physically and mentally. This serious matter, unfortunately, exists and requires great efforts to deal with.
This essay aims at providing better understanding of the stigma that PLHAs in Vietnam face in everyday life. The study used a qualitative approach with empirical field studies, interviews and reviews of existing scientific research.
The study carried out interviews with 35 PLHAs who live in Hanoi and engaged in self-help networks. Through their sharing and reflections over their situations and experiences, I try to construct empirical evidences to better understand the problems of HIV-related stigma and what social work and awareness can be part solutions to deal with the problems and help to these vulnerable groups of people.
The main findings suggest that despite different social and economic status, ethnical backgrounds and living circumstances, the PLHAs have experienced with stigma in relations to their communities, families, hospitals as well as discrimination against their economic benefits and job access. It is a problem that requires efforts to address stigma because of the negative attitudes against HIV/AIDS victims are rooted in people in societies that old customs and prejudices exist like in Vietnam. It needs efforts of all parties in the society to get good understanding, knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS and to fight against stigma.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, stigma, Vietnam. (Less)
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http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/1976655
@misc{1976655, abstract = {{HIV/AIDS puts people in many disadvantages such as losing health, losing income and reducing life expectancy. However, another grave problem of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) is HIV-related stigma. Stigma makes their lives worse in many aspects materially, physically and mentally. This serious matter, unfortunately, exists and requires great efforts to deal with. This essay aims at providing better understanding of the stigma that PLHAs in Vietnam face in everyday life. The study used a qualitative approach with empirical field studies, interviews and reviews of existing scientific research. The study carried out interviews with 35 PLHAs who live in Hanoi and engaged in self-help networks. Through their sharing and reflections over their situations and experiences, I try to construct empirical evidences to better understand the problems of HIV-related stigma and what social work and awareness can be part solutions to deal with the problems and help to these vulnerable groups of people. The main findings suggest that despite different social and economic status, ethnical backgrounds and living circumstances, the PLHAs have experienced with stigma in relations to their communities, families, hospitals as well as discrimination against their economic benefits and job access. It is a problem that requires efforts to address stigma because of the negative attitudes against HIV/AIDS victims are rooted in people in societies that old customs and prejudices exist like in Vietnam. It needs efforts of all parties in the society to get good understanding, knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS and to fight against stigma. Key words: HIV/AIDS, stigma, Vietnam.}}, author = {{Tran, Thi Minh Thu}}, language = {{eng}}, note = {{Student Paper}}, title = {{HIV/AIDS and Stigma in Vietnam}}, year = {{2011}}, }