Assessment of Stigmatization and Coping Strategies of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed Stigmatization and coping Strategies of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Taraba State, Nigeria. Two objectives, two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. The population for the study comprised all people living with HIV/AIDS in Taraba State. A sample of 749 people living with HIV/AIDS was selected using proportionate sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a 30 item self-developed questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using frequency count, percentages, and inferential statistics of chi-square was used to test hypothesis. Results showed that People Living with HIV/AIDS experienced different levels of Perceived 42 (5.6%) internalized 452 (60.3%) and enacted stigma 255 (34.0%). Majority of PLWHA were Coping well 426(56.9%), 317(42.3%) were coping very well and lastly 6(0.8%) are coping with difficulty. Significant relationship exists between stigmatization and coping with HIV/AIDS c² (111.079) df (4) p<0.05). The study recommended that PLWHA and their relations require education on the consequences of stigmatization and means of coping with the disease. There is need for provision of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing with other HIV/AIDS services in all health facilities in Taraba State.

Key words: Assessment, Stigmatization, People living With HIV/AIDS and coping strategies