I am HIV-positive, but I am a human being: qualitative study on experiences of stigma in health care centres in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Background: People living with HIV can have many health problems and may face difficulties when seeking health care because of stigma and the inappropriate behaviour of health care staff. Aims: This study aimed to assess the problems people living with HIV face when seeking health care in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 10 people living with HIV who were members of the positive fellowship club of the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Participation was voluntary. Using a focus group discussion, the participants talked about the problems they faced when seeking health care in different health departments and clinics. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The participants faced many problems in all health departments and clinics when seeking health care. The most important problems were:1) refusal of treatment in outpatient, medical and surgical departments; 2) inappropriate behaviour of consultants and medical staff; and 3) insufficient knowledge of medical staff about HIV and how it is transmitted. Conclusions: Providing medical and health care staff with more information on HIV and its transmission, training them on proper treatment and management of patients with HIV, and providing free treatment packages and medical services for people living with HIV may help reduce the stigma and problems HIV patients face when seeking health care, and improve the care they receive.