Authors : J.O. Ezeokana , O.A.U. Nnedum and S.N. Madu
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the pervasiveness of HIV/AIDS-related stigmatization among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The lived experience of stigmatization among people living with HIV/AIDS was examined. A total of 77 HIV seropositive patients and 77 of those that were not infected, all residing in 5 marginalized communities in South Eastern Nigeria participated in a study this tested eleven hypotheses. Using HIV/AIDS-related Stigmatization scale, results indicated a significant differences in overall stigmatization, psychosocial problem, behavioral problem, neglect, rejection, abuse, physical distance, denial of medical assistance but not significant on psychiatric disorder, self stigma and suicidal intrusive thought. Our results suggest that the devaluation in the well being of stigmatized PLWHA are significantly more manifest in their psychosocial and behavioral problems than in their psychiatric dimension. One implication of our findings is that reducing stigmatization is a core issue in the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS pandemic in resource poor countries.
J.O. Ezeokana , O.A.U. Nnedum and S.N. Madu , 2008. Pervasiveness of HIV-Related Stigmatization among PLWHA in South Eastern Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 5: 448-456.