PERCEIVED STIGMA AND HIV STATUS DISCLOSURE AMONG HIV POSITIVE YOUNG PEOPLE RECEIVING TREATMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA TEACHING HOSPITAL, GWAGWALADA

Abstract

Stigma has been identified as a major barrier to the disclosure of HIV status; this constitutes a serious public health challenge to halting the spread of new infections. Evidence in Nigeria has shown that young people aged 15-24 years have higher incidence of HIV infection. Attaining the goal of zero new HIV infection partly depends on HIV status disclosure and social support for young people living with the virus. This study assessed the perceived stigma and status disclosure among HIV positive young people receiving treatment at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A total population of 230 HIV positive young people aged 15-24 years receiving treatment in the hospital was assessed. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, perception of HIV/ AIDS stigma as well as disclosure of HIV status (act of informing others about ones HIV sero-positive status). The knowledge of HIV and perception of stigma were assessed on a scale of 8 and 80 points, respectively. Good knowledge of HIV and positive perception of HIV stigma were based on scores 8 and ≥50, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression at p = 0.05. Qualitative data obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) using FGD guide were analysed thematically. Age of respondents was 20.2±2.8 years and 77% were female. Majority of the respondents were never married (88.7%) and more than half (62.2%) had completed secondary education. The family profile revealed that 70.1% were from monogamous homes while, 60.4% lived with both parents. Most (78.3%) had good knowledge of HIV. Above half (54.3%) had negative perception of HIV stigma while, 42.2% had disclosed their HIV status. Of those that had disclosed their status, 70% disclosed to their mothers; Respondents aged 20-24 years [AOR=5.26 (CI=2.09- 13.27)] were more likely to disclose their HIV status compared to those aged 15-19. Respondents that were married/cohabiting/divorced [AOR= 0.02 (Cl=0.001-0.25)] compared to those that were never married were less likely to disclose their HIV status. Also, disclosure of HIV status was less likely among respondents who have ≥7 [AOR=0.05 (CI=0.01-0.33)] compared to those who have ≥3 siblings. Respondents aged 15-19 years [AOR=2.36 (CI=1.33-4.12)] compared to those aged 20-24 were more likely to have positive perception of HIV stigma. Similarly, positive perception of HIV stigma was more likely among respondents whose highest level of education was primary and below [AOR= 2.13 (Cl= 1.04-4.36)]. Majority of the FGDs discussants revealed that avoidance by family members and friends and feeling of guilt were major barriers to disclosure of HIV status. Disclosure of HIV status was low and perceived stigma was high among the youth receiving treatment at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. There is the need for education and counseling of young people living with HIV/ AIDS to reduce perceived stigma and increase disclosure rate.