Perceived occupational HIV risk, stigma, and discriminatory attitudes among healthcare professionals in Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundEven with the presence of institutional policies, training programs, and various interventions, stigma associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) still obstructs fair access to healthcare services. In Saudi Arabia, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the regional variations among healthcare workers regarding their Fear of HIV Infection/Perceived Occupational Risk, their attitudes towards individuals living with HIV (PLHIV), and the stigma and discrimination they observe.AimThis research aimed to compare these aspects among healthcare professionals in Riyadh and Jeddah.MethodsThis study employed a comparative cross-sectional design involving 466 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, from selected healthcare facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah. Data collection was carried out using a validated, self-administered questionnaire that evaluated Fear of HIV Infection/Perceived Occupational Risk, attitudes towards PLHIV, observed stigma and discrimination, infection-control practices, the healthcare facility environment, and institutional policies. Descriptive statistics, comparisons between groups, and multiple regression analyses were utilized to explore regional differences and factors influencing attitudes towards PLHIV.ResultsIn Riyadh, participants tended to be older and possess more experience than those in Jeddah. Specifically, 39.7% of individuals from Riyadh were between 30 and 39 years old, while 55.0% of those from Jeddah were aged 20 to 29. Additionally, those in Riyadh were more likely to have extensive professional experience and prior training related to HIV. Both groups showed moderate levels of fear regarding HIV infection and perceived occupational risk, along with similar levels of support from institutional policies. Differences between regions were noted in terms of observed stigma and discrimination, with Riyadh scoring higher, and in infection-control practices, where Jeddah had slightly better scores. Multivariable regression analysis revealed minimal evidence that factors such as region, previous HIV-related training, fear of HIV infection, perceived occupational risk, or health facility policies independently influenced attitudes toward people living with HIV (R2 = 0.006, p = 0.596).ConclusionIn both areas, healthcare workers exhibited moderate levels of fear regarding HIV infection and perceived occupational risks. However, misconceptions and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) were still apparent. These results highlight the necessity of ongoing, evidence-based HIV education, initiatives to reduce stigma, and enhanced institutional support systems to foster compassionate and fair treatment of individuals with HIV in Saudi Arabia.