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Home Care - 3.1.2 Reduced discrimination
3.1.2 Reduced Discrimination
33% of PLHA said that the home care teams have been instrumental in reducing discrimination against them in the community. In addition, 31% felt that home care visits had improved the way in which they are treated by their families. It should be noted that these percentages indicate the extent to which existing discrimination had been reduced, specifically as a result of home care intervention. Discussions with the HCTs and observations of interactions between PLHA and their families revealed that, for many families, no discrimination existed even prior to the home care visits.
“The neighbours, and even my own family, used to be afraid of my disease, but since education by the home care workers they are now more sympathetic with me. Some even come to visit me and bring me food”, [woman, aged 34, Stung Meanchey (23) ]
“At first, my wife got angry with me when she found out (that I was HIV+), but now she is caring for me. The home care team talked with her; it helped a lot”, [man, age 31, Wat Moha Montrey (24) ]
Nevertheless, it is evident that discrimination against PLHA is still prevalent in urban communities, and a significant number PLHA are still reluctant to reveal their HIV status. Half of those interviewed keep their HIV status secret from their community.
“I keep it a secret, because I’m afraid they might hate me”, [man, aged 37, Kilometre 9]
However, 45% said that the home care teams had increased their comfort in sharing information about their HIV status with others. In many cases the PLHA only share information with other patients in support groups. However, an increasing number are willing to ‘go public’.
“I now feel confident to tell others, so they can take more care and prevent themselves from this. I have even said this on television”, [woman, aged 38, Doun Penh (25) ]
79% of respondents said they have recommended, or would recommend the home care team to others.
Footnotes
(23) Area in Phnom Penh visited by one of the Home Care Teams
(24) Area in Phnom Penh visited by one of the Home Care Teams
(25) Area in Phnom Penh visited by one of the Home Care Teams
33% of PLHA said that the home care teams have been instrumental in reducing discrimination against them in the community. In addition, 31% felt that home care visits had improved the way in which they are treated by their families. It should be noted that these percentages indicate the extent to which existing discrimination had been reduced, specifically as a result of home care intervention. Discussions with the HCTs and observations of interactions between PLHA and their families revealed that, for many families, no discrimination existed even prior to the home care visits.
“The neighbours, and even my own family, used to be afraid of my disease, but since education by the home care workers they are now more sympathetic with me. Some even come to visit me and bring me food”, [woman, aged 34, Stung Meanchey (23) ]
“At first, my wife got angry with me when she found out (that I was HIV+), but now she is caring for me. The home care team talked with her; it helped a lot”, [man, age 31, Wat Moha Montrey (24) ]
Nevertheless, it is evident that discrimination against PLHA is still prevalent in urban communities, and a significant number PLHA are still reluctant to reveal their HIV status. Half of those interviewed keep their HIV status secret from their community.
“I keep it a secret, because I’m afraid they might hate me”, [man, aged 37, Kilometre 9]
However, 45% said that the home care teams had increased their comfort in sharing information about their HIV status with others. In many cases the PLHA only share information with other patients in support groups. However, an increasing number are willing to ‘go public’.
“I now feel confident to tell others, so they can take more care and prevent themselves from this. I have even said this on television”, [woman, aged 38, Doun Penh (25) ]
79% of respondents said they have recommended, or would recommend the home care team to others.
Footnotes
(23) Area in Phnom Penh visited by one of the Home Care Teams
(24) Area in Phnom Penh visited by one of the Home Care Teams
(25) Area in Phnom Penh visited by one of the Home Care Teams