Lived Experiences of Internalized Stigma Among HIV-Positive Adults in Delhi, India.

Abstract

The HIV infection is deeply associated with fear, stigma, discrimination, and internalization of the stigma. The ignorance around modes of transmission has led to many myths and misconceptions surrounding the infection. There is a stigma of contagion, along with the stigma of morality. Being ill and facing death is a situation that affects day to day living of the infected. It is not the virus but the stigmatizing environment around the infected that makes life with the virus a difficult journey. The infection leads to many behavioral issues and challenges for the infected as well as affected. In a mixed-method research, 105 HIV-positive consenting adults were recruited through the snowball method. They were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule in a confidential environment. Focus group discussions were conducted with infected males, females, men having sex with men (MSM), and uninfected partners of the infected respondents to understand the interpersonal issues and challenges. The current research explores and describes the impact of HIV and resultant internalized stigma upon the life of the infected in the background of moralistic values governing sexual behavior.