Social Death through HIV and AIDS Stigmatization and Discrimination in Ghana: A Case Study of the Central Regional Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Stigmatization of and discrimination against People Living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are increasingly recognized as the single greatest challenge to slowing the spread of HIV and partly the cause of the increased death rate particularly in Africa and Ghana to be specific. The purpose of the study was to identify the causes and effects of stigmatization of and discrimination against PLHIV visiting the Central Regional Hospital of Ghana for treatment and care. The research was conducted with a sample size of 120. Purposive and convenient/accidental sampling techniques were used to select respondents for the study. The study revealed that some people in Ghana stigmatize PLHIV because of the misconceptions they have about the modes of HIV transmission, the myths surrounding HIV and AIDS as well as their socio-cultural backgrounds and orientations. These stigmatizing behaviors towards PLHIV have serious health, social and psychological effects on them in particular and the society at large. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that there should be an intensification of education on HIV and AIDS through the media. This would make the population in Ghana more knowledgeable about the disease, which may help to reduce stigmatization of and discrimination against persons living with HIV.

Immediate reactions of newly-diagnosed HIV-positive persons to the initial news of being HIV-positive: Implications for public health

“…These include the fear of stigma, discrimination and abuse, and possible dissolution of romantic relationships associated with being a PLWHA. Importantly, there is fear of the perception that an HIV-positive diagnosis is a death warrant [16,76]. In Ghana, complying with WHO/United Nations' norms means that by the policy of the Ghana Health Service, HIV testing is provided to all pregnant women who report to orthodox healthcare centres for antenatal care on registration, although they could opt-out.…”

“…Being a younger male (less than 30 years) had signi cant association with elevated levels of suicidal ideation. In Ghana, the vast majority of PLWHAs Koka et al [16] studied in the Central Regional hospital, were diagnosed for the rst time with HIV mostly after they had reported to the hospital with persistent HIV/AIDS related opportunistic infections (mostly, frequent fever, followed by frequent coughing, then frequent diarrhea, or skin rashes). VCT was the least factor that led to their respondents' initial diagnosis.…”

“…VCT was the least factor that led to their respondents' initial diagnosis. Koka et al [16] asserted that stigmatisation and discrimination against PLWHAs was the main reason which prevents Ghanaians from checking their HIV status.…”

“…Reactions also affect perceptions of stigma and disclosure activity [2,11]. Conversely, di culties with accepting diagnosed HIV-positive status has serious potential negative consequences for individuals and the general public [15,16].…”

Immediate reactions of newly-diagnosed HIV-positive persons to the initial news of being HIV-positive: Implications for public health

“…These include the fear of stigma, discrimination and abuse, and possible dissolution of romantic relationships associated with being a PLWHA. Importantly, there is fear of the perception that an HIV-positive diagnosis is a death warrant [16,66]. Antenatallinked VCT is a policy strategy in Ghana for HIV control through a nationwide integration of VCT and antenatal care [67].…”