KNOWLEDGE ABOUT STIGMA AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS CASE STUDY OF ISHAKA ADVENTIST HOSPITAL BUSHENYI-ISHAKA MUNICIPALITY- BUSHENYI DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

Topic: Knowledge about stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS case study of Ishaka Adventist Hospital in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.

General objective: to asses knowledge about stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS,

Specific objectives: To asses the causes of stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS and to assess impact of stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Results: The main cause given for stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS is lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and acquisition of opportunistic infection. Poor drug adherence and loss of self-esteem are the main effects of stigma according to the respondents interviewed. This is apparent since depression due to the stigma can have such effects to people living with HIV/AIDS. Most of the respondents were of the opinion that stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS can be reduced/prevented through massive sensitization activities involving both people infected with the virus and those not infected.

CONCLUSSION: The main agenda of this research was to assess the causes to stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS. The main cause given for stigma among people living with HIV/AIDS is lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and acquisition of opportunistic infection. Poor drug adherence and loss of self-esteem are the main effects of stigma according to the respondents interviewed. This is apparent since depression due to the stigma can have such effects to people living with HIV/AIDS.

RECOMMENDATIONS: In order to avert the present somewhat gloomy situation, concerted efforts which may be driven by strong political leadership and public commitment should be in place.

In order to reduce and avoid HIV-related stigma and resulting discrimination, there appears to be a need to unravel the concept of stigma and begin open and frank discussion.