Stigmatization and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral clinic in a centre of excellence in HIV care in India

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS is a serious challenge globally. Plethora of morbidities due to crippling immune system reduces quality of life (QOL). The advent of HAART has changed this deadly disease to a chronic manageable illness with focus shifting from fighting virus to ensuring a good QOL. Objective of the study was to assess stigma and discrimination among PLHA and factors influencing, if any in Indian setting.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 220 male aged >15 years (PLHA) attending ART centre of centre of excellence in HIV care in India (CSTM, Kolkata) from May 2012-April 2013 using a pre-designed and pre-tested schedule regarding socio-demographic characteristics and social stigma. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0 and p<0.05 was considered as significant.Results: Nearly half (45%) and one-fifth (20.9%) of the study population were discriminated by the family and community respectively. Most (74.5%) of the study population had disclosed their HIV status to their family members. Maximum participants (96.4%) agreed that those who know their HIV status will tell that to others. In the multivariate model with increase in PCI the odds of score of dependant variable increases, so the odds of social stigma decrease (as increase in score means decrease in social stigma).Conclusions: The results show that factors associated with stigma should be further explored as it’s important in considering public health interventions to improve care of PLHA in India.