Perceived Psychosocial Impacts of Stigmatization and Coping Styles amongst People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Selected Hospitals, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective:- HIV/ AIDS stigma and discrimination exist worldwide, therefore this research was to determine perceived psychosocial impacts of stigmatization and coping strategies among PLWHA.Methodology:- This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. 240 respondents were selected in two hospitals with multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using COPE and Nottingham health profile apart from demographic characteristics of respondents.Results: Respondents’ age showed that 30-39 (38.8%) constituted the highest percentage. In terms of gender, females constituted 86.3% while 77.5% were married, traders constituted 66.3%, 72.6% were educated up to tertiary level stigma was considered to be separating oneself from other (30.0%) being avoided/isolated by family, friends, community and health care workers (28.8%), rejection by spouse, family and friends (21.3%. HIV  is solely sexually transmitted (13.6%) stigmatization of PLWHA is significantly of PLWHA is significantly related to perceived psychosocial impacts experienced as x² > critical valued ( p = 0.05). 36.2% agreed that their present health status affect their sex life, home life (22.5%),  and work (18.7%) among others. Majority of the respondents agreed to have accepted their status (Mean Score 190.5) were using active and positive coping (mean cores 166.5) and 175.5 respectively such as utilizing religions coping styles (mean score 212.25) among others.Conclusion:- It was concluded that government should ensure statutory protection of PLWHA.

Keywords: Stigma, psychosocial, impacts, coping strategies, PLWHA.