STIGMA, DISCRIMINATION AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN GAMBELLA TOWN, GAMBELLA PEOPLE NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, stigma and discrimination had been identified as the major obstacles in the way of effective responses to HIV. The main objective of this thesis was to assess stigma and discriminations among people living with HIV/AIDS in Gambella Town, GPNRS. The researcher employed a descriptive research design. The participants of the study were people living with HIV/AIDS living in Gambella Town. Questionnaires and interview were used as data collection instruments and data was analyzed using SPSS statistic software version 20 to make full meaning of the information. The study revealed that people living with HIV/AIDS blame themselves (mean score= 3.95) and SD (1.11) with a t-test (.000) and ANOVA xii result (.017) showed there are statistically significant difference between male and female respondent p<05, respectively. They held a sense of withdrawal from school/training or rejection of such opportunities (mean score= 4.27) and SD (0.63) with a computed comparison of a t-test(.000) and ANOVA results (.053) showed there are statistically significant difference between male and female respondent p<05, respectively. Because of such stigma and they reported to display self-discrimination problem, like hiding themselves (mean score= 3.68) and SD (1.10), Restricting themselves from social events and activities are manifested. Such stigma and discrimination prevented PLWHA from seeking treatments for AIDS or disclosing their status openly. This tendency is likely to increase HIV transmission further and exacerbates impacts of HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination. It is recommended that in order to cope with self-stigma and discrimination, people living with HIV/AIDS, the communities, government, and non-governmental organizations must work closely together with technical support, funding, participation, and awareness creation