Stigma, Discrimination and Associated Determinants Among People Living With Hiv/aids Accessing Anti-retroviral Therapy in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria

Discrimination and stigma towards those living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) pose serious obstacles to their ability to manage their disease and achieve overall wellbeing. These obstacles make it difficult to receive mental health assistance, prolong social isolation, and impede access to healthcare resources. The purpose of this study is to look into the types, prevalence, and factors that influence stigma and prejudice that PLWHAs in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, face when they seek antiretroviral therapy (ART). The study also aims to comprehend the ways in which these experiences impact PLWHAs' mental health and ability to receive healthcare. Structured questionnaires were used in this cross-sectional study to gather data from 400 PLWHAs in Ikeja who were undergoing ART. Aspects of stigma such as negative self-image, disclosure concerns, personalized stigma, and public attitudes were all included in the questionnaire. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and significant predictors of discrimination and stigma were found using logistic regression analysis. The study also looked at how stigma affects mental health and healthcare access, with an emphasis on identifying important socio-demographic variables that influence these outcomes. The results showed high prevalence of stigma against PLWHAs in Ikeja, in particular, 37.75% of respondents reported they have encountered stigma associated to HIV while seeking healthcare services, and 89.75% of respondents said they were aware of this stigma. Furthermore, 52% of respondents agreed that stigma is exacerbated by the media and societal views, and 45.5% thought that cultural and religious beliefs affected how PLWHAs were treated in their society. Gender, socioeconomic class, and educational attainment were found to be significant predictors of stigma. In addition, 41.5% of respondents experienced unfavorable views from family or friends, and 48.75% of respondents felt ashamed or condemned due to their HIV status. Similarly, 64.25% of PLWHAs said stigma had a major negative impact on their social interactions and mental health, and 65% said stigma made them decide not to disclose their HIV status. While more than a third, 39.75%, of the respondents said that stigma made it difficult for them to get ART and other essential medical services, two-thirds, 67%, stated that the attitudes of healthcare providers influenced their desire to ask for assistance. The study found widespread stigma and prejudice against PLWHAs with a negative influence on mental health and access to healthcare. The study suggests strengthening anti-discrimination laws, holding frequent training sessions for healthcare professionals, improving education and awareness campaigns, and increasing support services for PLWHAs in order to solve these problems. Stakeholders can improve the inclusive and supportive environment for people living with HIV/AIDS by putting these focused actions into practice, which will eventually improve health outcomes and quality of life. These initiatives are essential for reducing HIV/AIDS stigma and advancing a more equitable and compassionate society.