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

Mr. Ndoye, Joshua-Luther Ndoye
Lecturer
  +233244974097
  jlnupoalkpajor@uew.edu.gh
Profile
Publications

Authors
JOSHUA-LUTHER NDOYE UPOALKPAJOR
Publication Year
2021
Article Title
Stigmatisation and Discrimination against People Living with HIV and AIDS in Agona Swedru and Coping Strategies
Journal
The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies
Volume
9
Issue Number
5
Page Numbers
65-71
DOI
https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2021/v9/i5/HS...
ISSN
2321-9203
Website Url
http://www.theijhss.com/
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.

Policy Contributions

ion and discrimination against them. A community mobilisation is when a group of people become aware of a shared or common concern or need and decide to come together to take action in order to create shared benefit. people living with HIV and AIDS should be engaged in Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and this can improve their lives. Advocacy can be encouraged since it has a role to play in every intervention that needs to change attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of people. The study also recommends that HIV programs should be organised to address multiple aspects of HIV and AIDS stigmatisation including personal, cultural, institutional and structural factors. Despite the stigma and discrimination, some people living with HIV and AIDS have found a way of coping with their condition. In all these, the Ghana AIDS Commission which has been setup to deal exclusively with HIV and AIDS issues should provide support to organisations and health personnel to provide counselling services to people living with HIV and AIDS.

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