Stigma and Discrimination - HIV and AIDS Context in University Community

Stigma and discrimination that come with HIV/AIDS are no news in this age of the HIV global epidemic. With a background of rampant cases of discrimination against persons living with HIV or AIDS (PLWAs), this study set out to study investigated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS-related stigma at Pwani University, find out the root causes of such stigma and discrimination, assess the effect of that stigma and discrimination, and identify and recommend some strategies to mitigate stigma and discrimination among the Pwani University community. The research design employed was a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Mixed methods of sampling were used as follows to obtain the 196 participants of the study: Purposive sampling technique was used to cover all nursing students who were on-session while simple random sampling technique covered the staff who were on-session. The tools used to collect data included self-administered questionnaires, scheduled interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed. The study established that PLWAs often suffer isolation and rejection, among other forms of non-physical abuse. Quite a number of interviewees had at least experienced or observed cases of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in their interaction with others within the university community, which are discussed at length in the study. This study recommended intervention strategies at three levels: Individual, community, and institutional/organizational levels. Furthermore, the study observed that individual responsibility and positive self-perception were also key to coping in a stigmatized environment and help build high self-esteem.