HIV Stigma and Status Disclosure in Three Municipalities in Ghana.
Ann Glob Health
; 87(1): 49, 2021 06 18.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34164262
ABSTRACT
Background:
HIV-related stigma and HIV status disclosure are important elements in the continuous fight against HIV as these impact the prevention efforts and antiretroviral treatment adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in many communities.Objectives:
The objectives of the study were to examine the prevalence and experience of various types of HIV-related stigma and HIV status disclosure among PLWHA in Volta region.Methods:
A cross-sectional design was used to collect quantitative data from 301 PLWHA. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and present data on socio-demographic variables. Correlation analysis was done to determine factors associated with HIV stigma and status disclosure while a Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences in internalized HIV stigma.Findings:
The mean age of the participants was 44.82 (SD 12.22), 224 (74.4%) were female, and 90% attained at least primary education. A Pearson r analysis revealed that ethnicity (r[299] = 0.170, p = 0.003), religious affiliation (r[299] = -0.205, p = 0.001) and social support (r[299] = 0.142, p = 0.014) significantly predicted disclosure of HIV status. Fear of family rejection (62%) and shame (56%) were reasons for non-disclosure of HIV status. A Mann-Whitney's U-test revealed that females are more likely than males to internalize HIV stigma. Community-related HIV stigma in the form of gossip (56.1%), verbal harassment (30.9%), and physical harassment (8.6%) was reported.Conclusion:
A high rate of HIV status disclosure was found with social support, ethnicity, and religious affiliation being the associated factors. Internalized HIV stigma is prevalent among PLWHA while community-related stigma impacts HIV status disclosure. Strengthening social support systems and implementing culturally appropriate educational interventions may help in reducing community-related HIV stigma.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções por HIV
/
Revelação
/
Estigma Social
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article