Stigma in women living with HIV in Coimbatore District of TamilNadu

Abstract

Stigma in patients living with HIV (PLWHIV) is an important factor influencing the non disclosure of disease as well as treatment. Stigma levels were measured in 43 Women living with HIV/AIDS, in Coimbatore district , Tamilnadu, India. Scores in the 4 domains of stigma –Personalized stigma, Disclosure stigma, Negative self-image and Public attitude stigma were calculated using the standardised Berger scale . Overall mean scores of each of the four forms of stigma was calculated .Scores in each domain were split into three levels - low , moderate and high and the percentage of patients in each level was calculated. High mean scores and percentage of women scoring high stigma levels was found for disclosure stigma followed by public attitude concern stigma. Negative self image showed the least stigma score. Correlation of scores with demographic data showed that socioeconomic status had significant negative relationship with Disclosure, concern with public attitude and with Overall Score . Interventions to improve quality of life in PLWHIV and to achieve better outcomes should focus more on reducing disclosure stigma and perceived public concern stigma along with education of Public against discrimination. Program evaluation should be done in a larger scale .