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OSU researchers study affects of HIV/AIDS on those in rural areas
Stigma felt by those who live with HIV/AIDS can strongly reduce their quality of life
Makenna Bishop
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: News
A study has recently been conducted by faculty members at Oregon State about people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and the effect on their daily lives.
Research showed that residents who have HIV/AIDS who are living in rural counties of Oregon experience stigma and discrimination in day-to-day living and also when accessing care from health professionals.
Ann Zukoski, who has been a research faculty member for seven years, conducted the research with Sheryl Thorburn, an associate professor. Zukoski and Thorburn are both part of the public health department.
They decided to study rural areas of the state because most of the previous research is typically done in urban areas and cities. Rural areas have a lower prevalence of HIV/AIDS patients, due to a more sparse population.
The research was done to see if the effects of the disease had the same or similar impact on people living with the disease, regardless of where they lived. Zukoski said in rural areas the resources are typically fewer, meaning education and awareness is also less.
Illnesses such as HIV/AIDS are often accompanied with stigmatic and discriminatory situations. People who are not directly affected do not necessarily know how to act around those who have the disease, and may be adding to the problem without realization.
Sixteen people were interviewed in total, and were roughly from four different counties around the state. Health care providers passed out fliers with the study's information, and a number available if patients were willing to be interviewed.
Each interview took place in a comfortable environment for the particular individual and lasted nearly two hours.
The participants were primarily identified as Caucasian and ranged from the age of 18 to more than 50 years old. Both men and women were interviewed. Those who participated had ranging diagnoses from merely a few months to more than 10 years. Two of those interviewed were diagnosed with the disease within the past year.
Research showed that residents who have HIV/AIDS who are living in rural counties of Oregon experience stigma and discrimination in day-to-day living and also when accessing care from health professionals.
Ann Zukoski, who has been a research faculty member for seven years, conducted the research with Sheryl Thorburn, an associate professor. Zukoski and Thorburn are both part of the public health department.
They decided to study rural areas of the state because most of the previous research is typically done in urban areas and cities. Rural areas have a lower prevalence of HIV/AIDS patients, due to a more sparse population.
The research was done to see if the effects of the disease had the same or similar impact on people living with the disease, regardless of where they lived. Zukoski said in rural areas the resources are typically fewer, meaning education and awareness is also less.
Illnesses such as HIV/AIDS are often accompanied with stigmatic and discriminatory situations. People who are not directly affected do not necessarily know how to act around those who have the disease, and may be adding to the problem without realization.
Sixteen people were interviewed in total, and were roughly from four different counties around the state. Health care providers passed out fliers with the study's information, and a number available if patients were willing to be interviewed.
Each interview took place in a comfortable environment for the particular individual and lasted nearly two hours.
The participants were primarily identified as Caucasian and ranged from the age of 18 to more than 50 years old. Both men and women were interviewed. Those who participated had ranging diagnoses from merely a few months to more than 10 years. Two of those interviewed were diagnosed with the disease within the past year.
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