[Influence of HIV related stigma on health care access]

Abstract

Objective: To notice the influence of the stigma surrounding HIV on the access to health services among the seropositive population of Medellín, Colombia, in 2012.

Materials and methods: A qualitative approach using Strauss' and Corbin's grounded theory. Data was collected through 13 interviews at two different moments.These interviews were transcribed and analyzed, and the data found in them was processed via axial and open coding.

Results: The myths surrounding HIV become a barrier preventing access to healthcare;this hinders timely treatment of the virus.

Conclusion: Government policies must aim to reduce the effect that the historical discrimination against HIV has generated so that it can guarantee that infected individuals have early access to treatments for this condition as well as health promotion services.