PART III: PERCEPTION
This section consisted of 5 statements about the perception of People living with
HIV in accessing medical care. The questions are composed of 5 choices namely, 1-
Strongly Disagree (SD), 2-Disagree (D), 3-Neutral (N), 4-Agree (A), and 5-Strongly
Agree (SA).
Table I feel judged by healthcare providers when seeking treatment
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE RANK
1-Strongly 1 3.4% 4
Disagree
(SD)
2-Disagree (D) 2 6.9% 3
3-Neutral (N) 0 0% 5
4-Agree (A) 13 44.8% 1.5
5-Strongly 13 44.8% 1.5
Agree
(SA)
TOTAL 29 100%
In the statement I feel judged by healthcare providers when seeking treatment, most of
the respondents answered both strongly agree and agree with 13 (44.8%) response,
followed by disagree with 2 (6.9%), 1 (3.4%) answered strongly disagree, and lastly
none answered neutral.
According to Gangcuanco and Eustaquio (2020), public education campaigns
and policy reforms are essential to dismantling these harmful perceptions and
fostering a culture of acceptance. The result suggests that the healthcare
workers’ perception may be a barrier for people living with HIV when accessing
healthcare services.
Table. I fear stigma and discrimination at healthcare facilities
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE RANK
1-Strongly 0 0% 4.5
Disagree
(SD)
2-Disagree (D) 2 6.9% 3
3-Neutral (N) 0 0% 4.5
4-Agree (A) 13 44.8% 2
5-Strongly 14 48.3% 1
Agree
(SA)
TOTAL 29 100%
In the statement I fear stigma and discrimination at healthcare facilities, most of the
respondents strongly agree with 14 (48.3%), followed by agree with 13 (44.8%)
responses, 2 (6.9%) answered disagree, and lastly no one answered strongly
disagree and neutral.
The results suggest that a lot of people living with HIV fear stigma and
discrimination, which may affect their ability to go and return for follow-up
treatment at the facilities. As highlighted by Mrakovcic (2024), Societal attitudes
rooted in cultural beliefs often discourage individuals from seeking testing and
treatment.
Table I hesitate to seek treatment due to fear of disclosure
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE RANK
1-Strongly 0 0% 4.5
Disagree
(SD)
2-Disagree (D) 3 10.3% 3
3-Neutral (N) 0 0% 4.5
4-Agree (A) 12 41.4% 2
5-Strongly 14 48.3% 1
Agree
(SA)
TOTAL 29 100%
In the statement I hesitate to seek treatment due to fear of disclosure, most of the
respondents strongly agree with 14 (48.3%), followed by agree with (41.4%), 3
(10.3%) answered disagree, and lastly no one answered both strongly disagree
and neutral.
The result suggests that people living with HIV being hesitant to disclose their
condition may lead to further complications. According to Sherrell (2021), harmful
societal perceptions discourage individuals from seeking timely care, leading to
further health complications.
Table. I believe my health condition does not require frequent medical visits
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE RANK
1-Strongly 1 3.4% 5
Disagree
(SD)
2-Disagree (D) 7 24.1% 2.5
3-Neutral (N) 4 13.8% 4
4-Agree (A) 7 24.1% 2.5
5-Strongly 10 34.5% 1
Agree
(SA)
TOTAL 29 100%
In the statement I believe my health condition does not require frequent medical
visits, most of the respondents answered strongly agree with 10 (34.5%), followed
by both agree and disagree with 7 (24.1%), 4 (13.8%) answered neutral, and lastly,
1 (3.4%) answered disagree.
The results showed that many people living with HIV are mostly unaware of the
need for frequent visits to facilities for follow-up treatments. Zhang et al. (2020),
emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals not only seek care but also
remain engaged over time.
Table. I have doubts about the confidentiality of my medical information
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE RANK
1-Strongly 1 3.4% 5
Disagree
(SD)
2-Disagree (D) 2 6.9% 4
3-Neutral (N) 4 13.8% 3
4-Agree (A) 10 34.5 2
5-Strongly 12 41.4% 1
Agree
(SA)
TOTAL 29 100%
In the statement I have doubts about the confidentiality of my medical information,
most of the respondents strongly agree with 12 (41.4%), followed by agree with 10
(34.5%), 4 (13.8%)
answered neutral, 2 (6.9%) answered, and lastly, 1 (3.4%) answered strongly disagree.
The result suggests that people living with HIV have doubts about the
confidentiality of their medical information. According to Bernabe et al (2020),
anxiety symptoms are common in people living with HIV. This implies that it is
important for the medical healthcare team to assure their clients that there will not
be a breach of confidentiality.