Factors Affecting HIV Stigma And Its Effect On Women Of Child Bearing Age (20-35yrs) Attending Clinic At General Hospital

Project and Seminar Material for Nursing (Science)

Factors Affecting HIV Stigma And Its Effect On Women Of Child Bearing Age (20-35yrs) Attending Clinic At General Hospital (Charles)

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the factors affecting HIV stigma and its effect on women of child bearing age (20-35yrs) attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. The study was specifically set to determine the extent women of child bearing age are infected with HIV; determine the extent women infected with HIV are faced stigma and discrimination in the society; and determine the effect of HIV stigma on women of child bearing age. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprised of women of child bearing age attending clinic at Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 147 respondents and 141 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores. The hypotheses was tested using Chi-square Statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that the women infected with HIV are highly faced stigma and discrimination in the society. This in-turn leads to poor health seeking behaviour, low self-esteem, emotional trauma, deteriorates mental health, and leads to suicidal tendencies. Therefore, it is recommended that stigma enables people to believe that they are not at risk for HIV “HIV/AIDS is someone else’s problem”. Some cultures have value systems that may conflict with some components of HIV prevention. Stigma needs to be addressed at the community level in order to minimize its impact on HIV prevention services. Rejecting cultural values will not solve the problem there is a need to challenge cultural norms by encouraging positive culturally-appropriate messages about HIV. The development of stigma reduction programmes will promote non-stigmatizing responses to PLWHA. To mention but few.

Table of Content

Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Content
List of Tables
Abstract

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organisations of the Study

Chapter Two:

Review of Literature

2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Stigma and discrimination against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is complex and diverse. This is problematic because, in order for interventions addressing the spread of HIV to have their maximum impact, the issue of stigma and discrimination needs to be addressed (Health Policy Initiative, 2010). In order to ensure that achievements made in the bid to reduce HIV infection rates are maintained it is important that the issue of HIV stigmatization be addressed. Health-related stigma has been in existence for a long time and has affected several disease conditions such as leprosy, tuberculosis, and HIV. Health-related stigma has been described as a attribute of society that actually happens to an individual or the individual thinks may happen, and may result in the individual being rejected or excluded (Schechter, Bakor, Kone, Robinson, Lue, & Senturie, 2014; Weiss, Ramakrishna, & Somma, 2006).
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS; 2008) defined stigma as a shameful sign, trace, or impairment of an individual. Stigma is deep seated in the structure and values of society, and it forms part of the daily existence of the particular society (Herek & Capitanio, 1999; Kheswa, 2014; Zeti, 2013). Goffman (1963, p.13) defined stigma as an attribute that is “discrediting” thus making the individual unacceptable in society (Health Policy Initiative, 2010; Scambler, 2009).

Stigma continues to increase the burden in several disease conditions. Stigma significantly prevents a person from learning of their HIV status, because of the fear of experiencing stigma and discrimination from the society in which they live. It is estimated that globally there are 9 out of every 10 HIV positive individuals who do not know their HIV status (Health Policy Initiative, 2010). Individuals need to know their HIV status before they can be given treatment and care for HIV. Getting tested for HIV is thus important in getting access to care and treatment.

Counseling received during care for HIV enables the individual particularly women to plan their future. HIV stigma however has a negative effect on the women opting for HIV testing and also on the their health seeking behavior when diagnosed with the virus. HIV stigma is more likely to cause an women to engage in risky behavior, which inevitably results in poor health (Health Policy Initiative, 2010). HIV and AIDS are serious public health problems, which have socioeconomic, employment and human rights implications.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although there is presently no guaranteed cure for HIV/AIDS, the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been linked to increasing life expectancy, lesser opportunistic infections and improved quality of life of victims(Herbst et al.) However, stigmatization, discrimination and many other prejudices experienced by female patients have raised concern about their psychosocial health(Beard, et al. 2009).

Stigma can be defined as “an influential, yet disgraceful social label that completely changes the way people perceive themselves and how they are seen as individuals by the society.”(Karamouzian et al. 2015). Although one of the government policies is on reducing the stigmatization of HIV/Aids patients, still, not much has been achieved in that regard(NPHIV, 2009). There has been a continuous improvement in the prevention and medical management of HIV; however, stigmatization against victims have significantly limited the success and negatively impact progress and efforts as it predisposes to poor adherence to medications, unwillingness to access care and ultimately reduced the quality of life. In view of the aforementioned, this study seek to examine the factors affecting HIV stigma and its effect on women of child bearing age (20-35yrs) attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The overall aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting HIV stigma and its effect on women of child bearing age (20-35yrs) attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. Hence, the study will be channeled to the following specific objectives;

Determine the extent women of child bearing age are infected with HIV.
Determine the extent women infected with HIV are faced stigma and discrimination in the society.
Determine the effect of HIV stigma on women of child bearing age.

1.4 Research Question

The following questions are formulated inline with the study objectives;

What is the extent women of child bearing age are infected with HIV?
What is the extent women infected with HIV are faced stigma and discrimination in the society?
What are the effects of HIV stigma on women of child bearing age?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: HIV stigmatization has no negative effect on infected women attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hsospital.
Ha: HIV stigmatization has a negative effect on infected women attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital.

1.6 Significance of the Study

It is envisaged that the research will have the potential to make a significant contribution to the theoretical models of stigma in the society.

The Governments Healthcare Departments, can make use of the findings of the research in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic issues in the organizations.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study covered the the factors affecting HIV stigma and its effect on women of child bearing age. The study will cover women within the age of 20 to 35yrs attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.9 Definition of Terms

HIV:

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.

AIDS:

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

HIV-Vulnerability:

One who is open to risky sexual exploitations and attacks.

Stigma:

Stigma as the feelings of disapproval that people have about particular illnesses or ways of behaving.

1.10 Organization of the Studies

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:

5.0 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the findings on the factors affecting HIV stigma and its effect on women of child bearing age (20-35yrs) attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.1 Summary of the Study

In this study, our focus was to examine the factors affecting HIV stigma and its effect on women of child bearing age (20-35yrs) attending clinic at General Hospital, Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. The study was specifically set to determine the extent women of child bearing age are infected with HIV; determine the extent women infected with HIV are faced stigma and discrimination in the society; and determine the effect of HIV stigma on women of child bearing age.

The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 141 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are women of child bearing age attending clinic at Amachara General Hospital Umuahia South.

5.2 Conclusions

People’s attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS remain a major community challenge. There is a need to generate a climate of understanding, compassion and dignity in which people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) will be able to voluntarily disclose their status and receive the support and respect all people deserve. However, many people experience discrimination because they have HIV/AIDS. In the light of the analysis carried out, the study found that the women infected with HIV are highly faced stigma and discrimination in the society. This in-turn leads to poor health seeking behaviour, low self-esteem, emotional trauma, deteriorates mental health, and leads to suicidal tendencies.

5.3 Recommendation

Stigma enables people to believe that they are not at risk for HIV “HIV/AIDS is someone else’s problem”. Some cultures have value systems that may conflict with some components of HIV prevention. Stigma needs to be addressed at the community level in order to minimize its impact on HIV prevention services. Rejecting cultural values will not solve the problem there is a need to challenge cultural norms by encouraging positive culturally-appropriate messages about HIV. The development of stigma reduction programmes will promote non-stigmatizing responses to PLWHA.
PLWHA who internalize community negative views about what is moral and immoral become vulnerable to feelings of self hatred, guilt and distress. Similarly, PLWHA who internalize stigma associated with their disease and associate HIV with death hold negative view of HIV disease and themselves. This is likely to negatively affect their mental health and their ability to effectively manage their HIV disease. There is a need to decrease the stigma related to HIV/AIDS and promote a climate of tolerance and empathy within community members regardless of their health status. This is even more essential to ameliorate internalized among PLWHA themselves.

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