Stigmatisation and Discrimination against People Living with HIV and AIDS in Agona Swedru and Coping Strategies

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the personal views and experiences of People Living with HIV and AIDS at AgonaSwedru and coping strategies. The study was a qualitative research which employed a case study design. A semi structured interview guide was used for data collection. A sample size of 10 people living with HIV and AIDS was used for the study. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used. The findings revealed the nature of stigmatisation and discrimination to visible, invisible and self-imposed. It was also found out that People Living with HIV and AIDS go through psychological experiences. People living with HIV and AIDS feel self-guilty once their HIV positive status is revealed to them and begin to live lifestyles that they think will prevent people from knowing their HIV status. Another finding is that people living with HIV and AIDS adopt engagement coping, disengagement coping and selective disclosure strategies to help them cope with their situation. It emerged from the study upon voluntary testing and counselling that not only irresponsible behaviours like promiscuous life and heterosexual behaviour that contract HIV and AIDS. The study concludes that it is significant to note that the family, which is the basic protective institution, should stigmatise and discriminate against their members that have HIV and AIDS; and discrimination, some People Living with HIV and AIDS have found a way of coping with their condition. The research recommends that the participants should engage in information, education and communication, community mobilisation, and advocacy.