Predictors of HIV Stigma among Health Workers in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Stigma against people living with HIV (PLHIV) among health workers remains a barrier to the provision of needed care to HIV patients worldwide. We sought to investigate predictors of HIV stigma among health workers in Cape Coast, Ghana. This was a cross sectional study conducted in three hospitals from November 2016 to February 2017. The study made use of a pre-existing self-administered question naire. Multiple regression analysis and Pearson’s coefficient tests were performed to determine the relationship between the dependent variable, i.e. the stigmatized atti tudes of health workers, and some indepen dent variables, and to determine which of the independent variables predict stigma amongst health care workers. A total of 331 health workers of different categories par ticipated. Respondents’ personal opinions on HIV, fears/worries of getting infected and category of staff {F(3,327)= 23.934 P<0.00}, R2 = 0.180) significantly predict ed their stigmatizing behaviour. Compared to other health workers, nurses had higher scores for stigmatizing behaviour. The study found evidence of discriminatory and stigmatizing behaviour towards PLHIV by health workers. Stigma reduction pro grammes aimed at health workers should be strengthened at all health facilities that pro vide care to PLHIV.