Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of HIV/AIDS related stigmatization, discrimination and coping strategies among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) at University College Hospital Ibadan. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design carried out among 700 PLHIV selected using a systematic random sampling technique from May to June 2010. A validated pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data which was analysed using SPSS version 16. The mean age of the respondents was 40.0 ± 9.40 years and more were females (474, 67.70%). About 212 (30.30%) have experienced stigmatization with verbal insult (138, 65.10%), subjection to ridicule (134, 63.20%) and avoidance by friends (89, 42.0%) being the most reported forms of induced stigmatization/discrimination. In addition, there was no significant relationship of experiencing stigmatization/discrimination by gender (P=0.097). However, more females experienced physical assault than male. Strategies adopted by respondents in coping with stigmatization and discrimination were unmoved 376 (53.70%), prayer 321 (45.90%) and ignoring the person 281 (40.10%). The study reported prevalence of various forms of stigmatization and discrimination against PLHIV. Therefore, there is need for more awareness campaign in communities on the dangers of HIV-related stigmatization and discrimination on the health of PLHIV. Key words: Social discrimination, perception, stigmatization, social support, HIV/AIDS.
Highlights
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)remain a disease of public health concern in Nigeria
The estimated number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) as at 2015 is 3.4 million people giving a prevalence of 3.2% among the adult population (UNAIDS, 2015)
The study was a descriptive cross sectional study of persons living with HIV and AIDS at the President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), University College Hospital (UCH)
Summary
Remain a disease of public health concern in Nigeria. This is because Nigeria is the most populous country in sub-. Since the first case of AIDS in Nigeria was reported in 1986, Nigeria adopted antenatal care sentinel surveillance as the system for monitoring the epidemic, in line with WHO guidelines (UNAIDS, 2015). The international community embraced the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in 2005. This has led to universal access to diagnosis, treatment and care for PLHIV (Monjok et al, 2009; UNGASS, 2005; World Health Organization, 2006)
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