Page 82 - MJHP MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION Volume 2, 2020

MALAYSIAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION Volume 2, 2020

HIV-RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION: A STUDY AMONG
PHARMACISTS WORKING IN HEALTH CLINICS UNDER KUALA
LUMPUR AND PUTRAJAYA HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Choon Ching Ju *, Looi Seen Julie , Teow Wei Chien , Khoo Yong Leong ,
2
3
4
1
Ramanathan Kalai Selvi 5
1 Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Besi
2 Klinik Kesihatan Tanglin
3 Klinik Kesihatan Petaling Bahagia
4 Klinik Kesihatan Jinjang
5 Klinik Kesihatan Setapak
*Choon Ching Ju (Emel: choonchingju@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related stigma and discrimination
by healthcare workers (HCW) compromises patients’ medication adherence
and wellbeing. Hence, it is crucial to discover the HIV-related stigma and
discrimination among HCW. This study aimed to describe the HIV-related
stigma and discrimination among pharmacists and its association with socio-
demographic characteristics, health facility environment, and health facility
policies. This is a cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaires
which involves all 156 pharmacists working in primary health clinics under
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department (JKWPKL&P). Variables
associated with HIV-related stigma and discrimination are analysed. Most
participants agree that people living with HIV (PLHIV) have had many sexual
partners (68.6%) and HIV infection is due to irresponsible behaviour (69.9%).
The percentage of females (44.9%, n=61) who are unwilling to serve people who
inject drugs (PWID) doubled the percentage of male participants (20%, n=4)
who share the same opinion (p=0.036). Half (50%, n=35) of the participants
between 30-39 years old have negative opinions towards PLHIV (p=0.012).
About 84.6% (n=11) and 58.3% (n=7) of participants who have co-workers with
stigmatising attitude towards PLHIV would avoid physical contact (p=0.003)
and would use special infection control measure (p=0.002) when dealing with
PLHIV. Most participants (74.4%, n=99) who have seen PLHIV within the past
12 months have negative opinions towards PLHIV (p=0.001). Likewise, 78.1%

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