Workplace interventions to reduce HIV and TB stigma among health care workers - Where do we go from here?
Siegel, J.; Yassi, A.; Rau, A.; Buxton, J.A.; Wouters, E.; Engelbrecht, M.C.; Uebel, K.E.; Nophale, L.E.
Global Public Health 10(8): 995-1007
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1744-1692 PMID: 25769042 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1021365Document Number: 637440
Fear of stigma and discrimination among health care workers (HCWs) in South African hospitals is thought to be a major factor in the high rates of HIV and tuberculosis infection experienced in the health care workforce. The aim of the current study is to inform the development of a stigma reduction intervention in the context of a large multicomponent trial. We analysed relevant results of four feasibility studies conducted in the lead up to the trial. Our findings suggest that a stigma reduction campaign must address community and structural level drivers of stigma, in addition to individual level concerns, through a participatory and iterative approach. Importantly, stigma reduction must not only be embedded in the institutional management of HCWs but also be attentive to the localised needs of HCWs themselves.