Abstract
HIV/AIDS has been identified as one of the major problems facing the global community. This thesis examines the problems of ‘people living with HIV/AIDS’ (PLWHA) in Port Harcourt Nigeria.
The first part of the study aims at understanding the HIV-related stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa and the consequences of stigma for care seeking. The second part aims at understanding stigma and other problems PLWHA in Port Harcourt, Nigeria face in seeking care and support in society and health care institutions. In addition, gender-related power differences in care given to PLWHA were also investigated. This study shows that the stigmatization of PLWHA is still overwhelmingly present and affects their quality of life. This has huge implications for HIV prevention, anti-retroviral treatment adherence, care seeking, care and the support they receive. Effective policies backed with practical multi-faceted interventions are important.
The first part of the study aims at understanding the HIV-related stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa and the consequences of stigma for care seeking. The second part aims at understanding stigma and other problems PLWHA in Port Harcourt, Nigeria face in seeking care and support in society and health care institutions. In addition, gender-related power differences in care given to PLWHA were also investigated. This study shows that the stigmatization of PLWHA is still overwhelmingly present and affects their quality of life. This has huge implications for HIV prevention, anti-retroviral treatment adherence, care seeking, care and the support they receive. Effective policies backed with practical multi-faceted interventions are important.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 15 Oct 2010 |
Place of Publication | Maastricht |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 9789052789651 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- HIV/AIDS
- stigma
- gender
- society
- health care institutions