Stigma and Discrimination - HIV and AIDS Context in University Community | Chapter 10 | Emerging Trends in Disease and Health Research Vol. 5

 In this age of the HIV global epidemic, stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS are nothing new. With a background of widespread discrimination against people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWAs), the purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV/AIDS-related stigma at Pwani University, determine the root causes of such stigma and discrimination, assess the impact of such stigma and discrimination, and identify and recommend some strategies to mitigate stigma and discrimination among the Pwani University community. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the investigation. To collect the 196 participants for the study, the following sampling strategies were used: The purposeful sampling strategy was used to cover all nursing students who were on-site, while the simple random sample technique was utilised to cover all personnel who were on-site. Self-administered surveys, scheduled interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions were utilised to collect data (FGDs). Methods for both qualitative and quantitative data analysis were used. The study found that PLWAs frequently face isolation and rejection, as well as various forms of non-physical abuse. Several interviewees had at least encountered or witnessed examples of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and prejudice in their interactions with others within the university community, which are extensively documented in the study. Individual, community, and institutional/organizational intervention options were advocated in this study. Furthermore, the study discovered that individual responsibility and positive self-perception are important for functioning in a stigmatised environment and for developing good self-esteem.

Author(S) Details

Alice A. Anika
Educational Psychology and Special Needs Department, Pwani University - P. O. Box 195, Kilifi, Kenya.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/ETDHR-V5/article/view/6148

Study on HIV Prevention, Infertility and Concordance in Partner Selection among Couples Living with HIV and AIDS in Rural and Peri-Urban Contexts in Botswana | Chapter 8 | Research Trends and Challenges in Medical Science Vol. 10

 Using qualitative research techniques, this paper investigates marital partner selection and the significance of fertility status among HIV-positive couples. This research was carried out in Botswana's Maun and Gaborone regions, where patrilineal marriage customs are prevalent and both civil and traditional marriage practises are practised. After new civil marriages and where HIV status was positive for both spouses, data was obtained from 32 respondents using in-depth interviews. The findings of the study show that HIV status has a social impact on the marriage partners chosen by HIV-positive couples. However, once new marital relationships are established based on HIV status compatibility, the cultural value of fertility and childbearing remains paramount, and unprotected sex rates remain high. Even when they were aware of mother-to-child transmission and increased viral loads in their own bodies, HIV positive and concordant couples engaged in unprotected sex in order to affirm positive social status through reproductive success. The importance of understanding cultural norms surrounding fertility desires and fears of infertility in developing effective HIV prevention programmes is demonstrated in this paper. In a context where HIV infection rates have remained high, HIV concordant couples still pursue fertility success with partners, and this paper adds to the literature on both partner selection with regard to HIV status and the importance of qualitative investigation to elucidate cultural challenges to HIV prevention. In order to help inform policies in the development of evidence-based preventive measures in Botswana with respect to people living with HIV and AIDS, the paper concludes with additional suggestions for recognising the frequently ignored cultural significance of infertility in areas with elevated HIV infection rates.

Author (s) Details

Rebecca L. Upton
Department of Sociology & Anthropology, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA

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