DOI: 10.21045/2071-5021-2018-59-1-7

Contacts: Ruziev Murodaly, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Information about authors: Son I.M., http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9309-2853
Acknowledgments. The study had no sponsorship.
Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

In recent years, Tajikistan has undertaken a number of measures aimed at developing a legislative framework to control spread of HIV/AIDS and reduce stigma and discrimination against HIV-infected people. However, the level of stigma and discrimination in the society remains high.

The purpose of the study was to analyze forms of stigma and discrimination in the society against people living with HIV.

Methods. Social survey was implemented in large cities and districts of the three regions of the Republic of Tajikistan. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire containing both closed and open questions. The survey was conducted among health professionals; teachers of secondary education institutions; law enforcement and judicial authorities (lawyers and judges); service workers; religious figures; mass media specialists; representatives of administrative bodies of the local authorities (Khukumats) and people living with HIV.

Results. About 45% of the respondents noted that there are various forms of stigma and discrimination in Tajikistan now. The most vulnerable to stigma associated with HIV are children and women.

In the opinion of people living with HIV, they feel most discriminated by people around. A high level of discrimination towards people living with HIV, in their opinion, manifests itself while getting employment and receiving health care. About 40% of HIV-infected people noted that they experience different forms of discrimination in the family.

Discussion. The study showed that the existing high level of stigma in Tajikistan results in people living with HIV discrimination. The problem of stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV is yet to be solved by many countries of the world. It can be handled by implementation of programs aimed at restraining stigma to reduce social isolation and increase adherence to HIV treatment.

Conclusion. In general, there is a positive trend among population that people living with HIV have the right to work; however in those sectors that people deal almost daily with (education, health and social services), there is a relatively high level of discrimination.

Key words: stigma; discrimination; people living with HIV; social survey

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