Abstract:
Background: 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.
Methods: 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 questionnaire. Multiple
regression analysis and Pearson’s coefficient tests were performed to determine the relationship
between the dependent variable, stigmatized attitudes of health workers and some independent
variables, and to determine which of the independent variables predict stigma amongst health
care workers.
Results: A total of 331 health workers of different categories participated. 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 predicted their stigmatizing behaviour. Compared to other
health workers, nurses had higher scores for stigmatizing behaviour.
Conclusions: the study found evidence of discriminatory and stigmatizing behaviour towards
PLHIV by health workers. Stigma reduction programmes aimed at health workers should be
strengthened at all health facilities that provide care to PLHIV.
