HIV/AIDS Stigmatization on Relatives and Associates of People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Psychological Study (Published)
The present study examined HIV/AIDS stigmatization on relatives and associates of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. After seeking informed consent from relatives and associates of HIV/AIDS patients on hand at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, using purposive sampling technique, a sample of 60 responded to the HIV Stigma Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. One Way Analysis of variance, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Independent t-test were the statistical tools used for the analysis of the 3 hypotheses. Analysis of results indicates that no significant difference exists between the levels of stigma experienced by various associates of patients with HIV/AIDS. However, female associates of children with HIV/AIDS experienced more stigma than their male counterparts. The study found no significant relationship between stigma level and psychological distress among relatives and associates of the patients living with HIV/AIDS. From the Ghanaian setting, it is conclusive that regardless of the nature of relationship existing between people living with HIV/AIDS and their significant others, some level of stigma is still experienced across board. The implications of the study were discussed in line with the literature and the concept of Indigenous Cultural and Family Insurance
Keywords: : HIV/AIDS Patients, Associates, Ghana, Indigenous Cultural and Family Insurance Concept, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Psychological Distress, Stigmatization