Annals of Global Health (Jun 2021)

HIV Stigma and Status Disclosure in Three Municipalities in Ghana

  • Awolu Adam,
  • Adam Fusheini,
  • Martin Amogre Ayanore,
  • Norbert Amuna,
  • Faith Agbozo,
  • Nuworza Kugbey,
  • Prince Kubi-Appiah,
  • Geoffrey Adenuga Asalu,
  • Isaac Agbemafle,
  • Bright Akpalu,
  • Senam Klomegah,
  • Abdulrazak Nayina,
  • Doris Hadzi,
  • Kingsley Afeti,
  • Christopher Emmanuel Makam,
  • Felix Mensah,
  • Francis Bruno Zotor

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3120
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 87, no. 1

Abstract

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Background: HIV-related stigma and HIV status disclosure are important elements in the continuous fight against HIV as these impact the prevention efforts and antiretroviral treatment adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in many communities. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine the prevalence and experience of various types of HIV-related stigma and HIV status disclosure among PLWHA in Volta region. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to collect quantitative data from 301 PLWHA. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and present data on socio-demographic variables. Correlation analysis was done to determine factors associated with HIV stigma and status disclosure while a Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences in internalized HIV stigma. Findings: The mean age of the participants was 44.82 (SD: 12.22), 224 (74.4%) were female, and 90% attained at least primary education. A Pearson r analysis revealed that ethnicity (r[299] = 0.170, p = 0.003), religious affiliation (r[299] = –0.205, p = 0.001) and social support (r[299] = 0.142, p = 0.014) significantly predicted disclosure of HIV status. Fear of family rejection (62%) and shame (56%) were reasons for non-disclosure of HIV status. A Mann-Whitney’s U-test revealed that females are more likely than males to internalize HIV stigma. Community-related HIV stigma in the form of gossip (56.1%), verbal harassment (30.9%), and physical harassment (8.6%) was reported. Conclusion: A high rate of HIV status disclosure was found with social support, ethnicity, and religious affiliation being the associated factors. Internalized HIV stigma is prevalent among PLWHA while community-related stigma impacts HIV status disclosure. Strengthening social support systems and implementing culturally appropriate educational interventions may help in reducing community-related HIV stigma.