Relationship Between Psychotherapy and Mitigation of Self-Stigmitization Among Adult Persons Living with HIV in Nairobi City, Kenya

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a lot of suffering ever since the first case was reported. To date there are about 80,000,000 People living with HIV (PLWH). Although the rate of new infections has reduced, the effects remain far reaching, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. Apprehension associated with HIV often scares many from finding out their HIV standing, considering restraint methods, avoiding risky conducts, and uplifting of PLWH endeavours. Many studies focused on HIV testing and counselling services which is for now mainly service provider driven. The drive of this study was showing the relationship between psychotherapy and mitigation of self-stigmatization (SS) among Adult PLWH in Embakasi East Sub-County (herein denoted Embakasi East), Nairobi City, County (herein denoted Nairobi City), Kenya; Social Cognitive Theory guided this study, employing descriptive research design on a target population of 3,886 PLWH registered for ART treatment at 7 public health centres in Embakasi East, Nairobi City. Cochran’s sample size formula was applied in determining the suitable sample size of 246 that was confirmed by the sampling table. Purposive sampling was used to select both the public health centres and the informants from each centre. Proportionate random sampling assisted in picking participants (both male and female), then random sampling was used to construct the sample. The sample of 246 (74 males and 172 females) was drawn, with 6 informants. Informants were interviewed and questionnaires completed by PLWH. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, mainly frequencies, percentages and mean were applied on facts while thematic analysis on qualitative data. The study results showed that SS was very prevalent, caused by the respondents themselves and those around them. They acknowledged being hated, them hating themselves and did not want their HIV status known. Just a few had utilized psychotherapy service, who agreed that they were relieved a lot of pain they were undergoing, and they recommended it to others. The study recommended that authorities need to consider promoting and committing resources for psychotherapy as a solution to SS among PLWH, invest more in advocacy work, and invigorating sensitization among families on their role in supporting PLWH being