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Julie Pulerwitz, ScD1, Sheri Lippman, MPH2, M. Silvia Setubal, MS2, Magda Chinaglia, MD, PhD2, Christina Takae-Ogura2, Johannes Van Dam, MD MPH3, and Juan Diaz, MD, PhD4. (1) Horizons project, PATH, 4301 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 280, Washington DC, DC 20008, (202) 237-9400, jpulerwitz@pcdc.org, (2) The Population Council, Brazil, Rua Dr. Ruy Vicente de Mello, 1047, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, 13084-050, Brazil, (3) HORIZONS, HORIZONS/Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suit 280, Washington DC, WA 20008, (4) Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017
Stigma and discrimination creates one of the main challenges to HIV/AIDS programs. When attempting to reach mobile groups, such as truckers, with HIV-related services, stigma may particularly interfere, since truckers are often stigmatized as “vectors” of HIV and may therefore be more reluctant to access services. There have been limited attempts to investigate perceived stigma among mobile populations such as truckers. A systematic sample of 1775 male truck drivers were interviewed at the Brazilian customs stations of Uruguaiana (n=996) and Foz do Iguaçu (n=779) from March to July 2003. Participants responded to socio-demographic and behavioral questions, including 19 stigma items. Based on a factor analysis, there are 4 different domains within HIV stigma: fear of stigma and discrimination from others, lack of comfort with casual contact, blame towards those with HIV, and lack of willingness to assist people with HIV/AIDS. Truckers report fears of being fired if HIV+ (51%), discomfort traveling in their truck with PLHA (57%), belief that HIV is a punishment for bad behavior (66%), and self-stigmatizing perceptions that truckers are to blame for spreading HIV (38%). In the Brazilian context, where comprehensive HIV-related services are widespread, truckers still expressed substantial concerns about stigma and discrimination. Unless perceptions of stigma are addressed, HIV-related activities for mobile populations such as truckers will likely have limited success. Utilizing these findings, the Saude na Estrada (Health on the Road) Project now offers HIV services for truckers as part of a comprehensive program (e.g., blood pressure checks) for truckers’ health concerns.
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Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.