CHALLENGES IN THE LIVES OF HIV POSITIVE WOMEN

Abstract

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has gained impetus during the last one and the half decade, expending to all regions of the world and remains to be major global challenge. Recent research has indicated that HIV infection is moving from high-risk populations into the general population. Married, monogamous, heterosexual women belonging to lower strata are highly vulnerable. Women constitute nearly half of world’s AIDS population Aim: The present study attempts to highlight the challenges faced by HIV positive women. Material and Method: Since HIV/AIDS is a sensitive topic it was decided to undertake a qualitative study so that subterranean aspect of HIV positive women and their circumstances can be analyzed appropriately. Present study was conducted in Ludhiana district, Punjab. A purposive sample of 67 HIV positive woman visiting ART Centre for the treatment was taken. Information was obtained by Interviewing. Results: The study revealed that stigma and discrimination is the biggest challenge for WLHA as it prevents them from disclosing their HIV status to others and seeking their support. Lack of awareness about HIV also emerged an important challenge for some. There were others who felt that living with HIV has made them physically weak and it affects their working capabilities. Economic instability and dependency of HIV positive women is a big challenge for their survival. HIV positive women do not receive social, emotional and financial support from their parents and in laws. Family members try to maintain distance from these women and hardly come forward to help them. As a result of HIV/AIDS, more women become dependent on fewer income generating family members, thus increasing the already heavy economic burden experienced by families. Conclusion: The study implicates that WLHA face more challenges than men with HIV because of their lower position in society. Due to their lack of awareness they contract HIV infection unknowingly. This lifelong infection affects their physical and psychological health. WLHA are stigmatized and labeled for their immorality due to their illness and they face discrimination from family members, health care workers, colleagues, clients and their own community members. KEYWORDS: Stigma, Support, Challenges, HIV positive women