Correlates of perceived Stigma and depression among the women with HIV/AIDS infection

Abstract

Background: Depression, a universal problem for individuals with HIV/AIDS because the disease creates uncertainty and disruption in every aspect of their lives.Objectives: To assess the level of perceived stigma and depression among women with HIV/AIDS infection and to determine relationship between perceived stigma and depression.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bel-Air hospital located at Panchgani, state of Maharashtra, India during year 2013 among the women with HIV/AIDS infection. By purposive sampling technique, 50 women were enrolled and interviewed by utilizing standardized data collection tool i.e. stigma perception scale by Sowell et al and CES-D by Radloff after institutional ethical clearance certificate.Statistics: Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data.Results: Out of a total 50 HIV infected women, maximum 26 (52%) belonged to the age group of 28-36 years.  All the women were married; out of which majority were widows 28 (56%).  Among the study subjects, maximum, 25 (50%)   were having secondary education, followed by 46 (92%) as housewives.  38 (76%) women were aware of HIV status ranging from 1 month to 2.5 years. However, 43 (86%) reported that they had acquired HIV infection from their husband. Almost all women perceived stigma at some or other time of which majority, 26 (52%) perceived stigma frequently whereas 19 (38%) and 5 (10%) perceived stigma always and occasionally respectively. Similarly all the women have some sort of depression and majority, 37 (74%) experienced depression most of the time whereas 13 (26%) experienced depression occasionally. The perceived stigma and depression have a significant positive correlation as indicated by correlation coefficient.Conclusion: Moderate to severe degree of stigma and depression was perceived by women with a status of HIV/AIDS infection. A significant positive relationship is also existed between perceived stigma and depression among the women with HIV/AIDS infection.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(2) 2015 p.151-158