![]() In Yemen, one of the least developed countries, HIV prevalence remains low at 4000 (2000-11,000) per 100,000), with a possible epidemic concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). These concerns are the rationale for the increased efforts to combat the HIV stigma in general and specifically in health settings. ![]() Stigma also undermines the mental health and quality of life PLHIV. The detrimental effects of stigma on the health outcomes of PLHIV are well documented, such as higher risk-taking behaviour, refusal to disclose the HIV status, low uptake of HIV testing, care and support services, and poor adherence to treatment. Although health care contexts should be “safe and protective” spaces, PLHIV are frequently subjected to refusal of care, irrational use of infection control measures by care providers, violation of their confidentiality, unconsented testing and disclosure of HIV status, and verbal abuse, while seeking care. HIV stigma is considered a major catalyst of the HIV epidemic, and is reported all over the world in communities, work-spaces and other settings. This study focuses on the mechanism of enacted stigma, which refers to the discrimination experienced by PLHIV. Enacted stigma refers to the discrimination experienced by PLHIV. Internalised stigma denotes the endorsement of negative beliefs, views and feelings of oneself, whereas anticipated stigma is awareness of negative social perceptions towards HIV, and the expectation that PLHIV will experience prejudice. PLHIV experience the mechanisms of internalised, anticipated, and enacted HIV stigma. Identified by Link and Phelan, labelling, stereotyping, separation, status loss, and discrimination as various forms of stigma, and are considered a violation of human rights when targeted at people living with HIV (PLHIV). Stigma is a social and cultural phenomenon in which an individual possessing a devalued characteristic, such as HIV infection, is discredited by others. In addition, anti-discrimination policies and structural adjustments are needed, in combination with training on HIV and universal precautions, and action to tackle negative attitudes towards PLHIV and key populations. Stigma reduction interventions are required at institutional and individual levels. PLHIV face widespread stigmatizing behaviour in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a City, consistent with the higher level of stigma in low HIV prevalence countries and its links to the fear of infection, poor HIV knowledge, and limited funding for HIV control. These practices were significantly correlated with the fear of infection, high perceived risk of infection, and poor work environment ( p < 0.05). All the participants had exhibited a form of HIV-related stigmatization, such as avoiding physical contact with PLHIV (87%) or wearing gloves throughout the consultation (96.5%). The majority indicated a preference to test patients for HIV prior to surgical procedures (77%) and disclose positive HIV results to others (99%) without prior knowledge or consent. Less than half of the participants provided care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) (45%), had received HIV training (33%), and were confident that their HIV knowledge was adequate (23%). None of the hospitals had institutional policies against HIV stigma, and 93% of the participants believed the current infection control measures were inadequate. The majority of the participants were: females (68%), 20–39 years old (85%), nurses (84%), and holding a nursing diploma (69%) or a bachelor’s degree (27%). ![]() The questionnaire covered the respondents’ background, the stigmatising practices, and potential personal and professional drivers of stigma. Data were collected anonymously, using an adapted self-completed Arabic version of the Health Policy Project HIV Stigma tool. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 320 Yemeni health professionals in all the four teaching hospitals in Sana’a City. The country has low HIV prevalence (4000 (2000-11,000) per 100,000) and limited HIV control funds, worsened by a long conflict and an economic crisis. This study examined the extent and drivers of HIV stigma in the teaching hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. HIV stigma undermines a person’s wellbeing and quality of life and hinders HIV control efforts.
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