Clement Moonga
Country: Zambia
Background - Production Management
Research Project: The Role of HIV/AIDS Support Groups in Reducing Stigma and Discrimination in Choma District, Zambia
Background: The HIV and AIDS epidemic remains one of the serious health challenges in the world today, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia where it is estimated that one in every seven (14.3% prevalence) people is HIV positive, it has resulted into an over burdened, already struggling health care system. Despite the numerous interventions put in place to try and address it, the major barrier has been the stigma and discrimination associated with the problem.
Methods: This study employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore the role HIV and AIDS support groups are playing towards reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS. It comprised of seven SGs from six purposively selected sites within Choma district while non SG members were conveniently sampled from ART clinics within the research sites. Using a descriptive qualitative methodology, 57 PLHIV (51 SG members and 6 non SG members) and 4 personnel from organisations dealing with SGs for PLHIV were interviewed to; (i) examine the nature of HIV-related S&D that exist, (ii) investigate how national policies are addressing S&D, and (iii) evaluate the interventions of SGs in reducing the S&D towards PLHIV of Choma district in the Southern Province of Zambia.
Results: It was found that S&D against PLHIV exists in Choma district and manifests in different forms ranging from simple actions such as gossip to abandonment. Self stigma (internal) was found to be higher in urban areas while rural settings suffered from community (external) stigma. Furthermore, a comparison of feelings of S&D between members and non members of SGs indicated a freer attitude among members than non members of SGs, suggesting the usefulness and effectiveness of SGs in helping PLHIV cope with S&D. The government of Zambia’s policy of providing ART free of charge was found to be helping reduce S&D, especially that which emanated from family members who fear medical expenses. These results were identified around seven thematic areas: (1) understanding of S&D; (2) experience of S&D; (3) Coping mechanisms; (4) SGs’ response to S&D; (5) Effect of public policies on S&D; (6) Support to SGs and (7) Stigmatising terms.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that S&D in various forms exist and that SGs have been a very effective intervention in reducing S&D against PLHIV in Choma district. Furthermore, the government of Zambia’s policy of providing ART free of charge was found not only to prolong life through enhancing access to treatment, but also helps reduce S&D against PLHIV. Therefore, it should be born in mind that in as much as SGs have shown effectiveness in addressing S&D, there are other factors at play such as the government policy in question, which have also helped address the associated S&D.
Dissertation Word Count: 14, 774