HIV/AIDS : stigma as a factor that affects care seeking, care and support of persons with HIV/AIDS in Port Harcourt Nigeria

N.C. Mbonu

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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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.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • de Vries, Nanne, Supervisor
  • van den Borne, Hubertus, Supervisor
Award date15 Oct 2010
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789052789651
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

Keywords

  • HIV/AIDS
  • stigma
  • gender
  • society
  • health care institutions

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