Perceived stigma and healthcare services in healthcare settings among people living with HIV in Egypt: a qualitative study

Background The researchers conducted the current study to explore the perspectives of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on HIV-related discrimination and the delivery of healthcare services in healthcare settings. Methods An exploratory study using a qualitative approach was conducted among 46 PLHIV who were seeking HIV counselling and treatment from two HIV centres in the Cairo governorate using a purposive sampling technique. Results A thematic content analysis was used to examine the responses. Participants had a combination of positive and negative experiences. Some participants reported staff acceptance and friendliness towards HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral treatment. Most interviewees observed that staff took extra precautions when treating or caring for them. The majority stated that counselling about the effects of the treatment was inadequate and that testing was either too far from their homes or at overcrowded centres with long waiting times. All the interviewees recommended ongoing communication and HIV counselling skills for healthcare providers who are in contact with HIV patients. Conclusion Most of the study participants were not satisfied with HIV services in the participating centres, as well as experiencing stigma. More investment in enhancing the quality of HIV service delivery and reinforcement of health worker competencies, mainly in HIV counselling, may improve satisfaction, bearing in mind HIV-related stigma in the centres involved.