Health Care Discrimination in HIV Care
102
ures compared to nurses except hand washing practices
where nurses are better [20,22]. There is no difference in
knowledge and discriminatory attitude with doctors/nur-
ses [8,21]. Some studies show incomplete knowledge
among nurses but even a perceived knowledge has weak
effect on compliance with UP and willingness to care
BBP infected [18,19]. High risk perception was noted
with doctors and poor knowledge of UP and Post Expo-
sure Prophylaxis (PEP) was noted with surgical trainee
[15,17].
Some studies notified least discriminatory behavior
with physician compared to nurses and the same is high
with servants [1,2], which may reflect knowledge and
educational influence on HCW towards attitude with
PLHAs. Provider not adopting UP and inadequate train-
ing are more likely to favor restrictive policies towards
PLHA [7]. Discriminatory attitud e and fear of infectivity
among HCWs decreases as contact with PLHAs/Homo-
sexuals increased [9]. Adequate UP training improves the
knowledge, adherence and supplies of UP in hospitals
[24].
Various studies done across the world so far have
proven that the mindset of HCWs regarding the immoral
behavior of PLHAs, the lacunae in adopting UP meas-
ures and lack of knowledge are mainly responsible for
the discriminatory behavior among HCWs towards PLHAs.
4. Conclusions
After the decades of HIV identification contact with
PLHAs over the time might made HCWs sensitized and
involved in caring PLHAs. Varying degr ee of knowledge
among professionals and countries should be tackled
with targeting multidisciplinary approach by providing
knowledge with training, workshop and creating profes-
sional/social models to interact.
To improve the care of the HIV infected the referral
game should be demolished. So training for all healthcare
professionals is necessary regardless of their branch in
medicine. The hypothesized referral game should be ex-
plored by further studies to improve the care in HIV in-
fected clients.
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