Assessment of role of Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre in addressing HIV/AIDS stigma

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the stigma among HIV patients and to assess the role of Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre in addressing HIV/AIDS stigma. MethodsMixed method study design was conducted at Government General Hospital, Guntur Andhra Pradesh. HIV patients visiting the ICTC centre and the counsellors were included in the study. Patients were interviewed about stigma (quantitative questionnaire created using the International Centre for Research on Women guidelines). In-depth interviews were conducted among the medical officer and counsellors. ResultsStigma among HIV patients were categorized into six domains; they are social judgment, anticipated stigma, internalized stigma, external stigma, discrimination resilience. Internalized stigma was prevalent among the patients. The percentage of patients aware of ICTC services was 96.30%. Counselling provided by the counselors was useful in addressing stigma among the patients. ConclusionAnti-stigma campaigns are essential to tackle internalized stigma among people living with HIV and to incorporate counselling to the family members of HIV patients.