The Stigmatized Communication Towards HIV/AIDS Patients: Representation and Its Meaning in the Quality of Life of Infected Persons

Abstract

        Stigmatized communication and discrimination directed towards HIV/AIDS patients as having sexual behavior deviant from the norm as well as the discourse of unprotected sexual intercourse which leads to virus infection is a label that put on them. This labelling has become a stigmatized communication
branding them as sinful and turns them from normal to abnormal beings. This kind of stigmatized communication violates the human rights of HIV patients. These abusive expressions turned into unconscious feelings which are embedded in the minds of HIV patients. The negative feelings, unknowingly implanted, affect the mind and spirit of the HIV patients which later can lead to suicidal behaviour. Communication through discourse or dialogue creates a meaningful perspective and can create new representations for HIV infected patients. The new representation includes: the new perspective of AIDS patients, on receiving antiretrovirals between transmissible and non-transmissible patients. Patients with strict adherence to antiretroviral drugs have an undetectable viral in the body, therefor have no chance in the spread of the virus (Undetectable = Untransmittable, U=U). Despite being infected with the virus, the patient lives like normal people and can lead a happy and meaningful life.