Understanding impact of shame on HIV patients better may improve healthcare: Study

Dec 09, 2021

New Delhi, Dec 09 (ANI): A new study has found that ensures healthcare workers better understand the psychological, social and physical impacts of shame on HIV patients could lead to improving their medical treatment. The research has been published in the 'lambda nordica Journal'. Doctors and nurses should be more aware of how shame related to stigma can contribute to ill health, especially in experiences of chronic illnesses such as HIV. Shame can act as a chronic stressor that can lead to psychobiological changes in the body which can exacerbate physical conditions. It can also lead to a range of behaviours and outcomes which can negatively affect health treatment. People can be disempowered socially and politically. This is compounded by intense negative feelings regarding oneself and one's social standing.