A study on how HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination contribute to the spread of HIV among internally displaced populations in Gulu District, Uganda

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY: Stigma and discrimination concerning HIV/AIDS has been shown to be a barrier to HIV prevention, voluntary counselling and testing, and care in many international settings. Most published stigma scales are not comprehensive, and have been primarily tested in developed countries.The study had the following specific objectives: analyze the drivers of the HIV and AIDS epidemic; identify and analyze the contributing factors for HIV and AIDS-related stigma; find out and analyze barriers to HIV testing and disclosure; establish the different forms of HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination; and establish, in terms of gender, the most affected by HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination.The study adopted both study, quantitative and qualitative approach. Four focus group discussions were conducted, a sample of 121 respondents were selected randomly and interviewed with the aid of an FGD guide and a questionnaire respectively.Poverty, physical stigma, like sharing eating utensils, clothes, and bed linens, are marked and separated for PLWHA was found to be a predominant form of stigma and discrimination. Women and girls living with HIV and AIDS were more stigmatized and discriminated compared to men and boys as reported by 75% of the respondents. Lack of HIV and AIDS comprehensive knowledge was found as a key driver of HIV and AID-related stigma and discrimination.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University